Chicago

Heavy Rain Cancels Ditka Dash, Lynn Sage Run

Ditka Dash organizers said their "number one concern is everyone’s safety."

Heavy rain across the Chicago area canceled some outdoor Saturday morning events, including the Ditka Dash and Lynn Sage Pink Path Run.

"Thank you to all who have sponsored, registered, donated or volunteered," Lynn Sage organizers posted. "Due to severe weather we have to cancel the event. We thank you all for your tremendous effort to raise money in the battle against breast cancer and we hope to see you next year!"

Ditka Dash organizers said their "number one concern is everyone’s safety."

"Due to extreme and dangerous weather conditions (lightning) and the Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Chicago, the 2017 Ditka Dash has been cancelled," organizers said in a statement. "Your safety and well being is the most important thing and we thank you for understanding."

A time and place is being scheduled next week for Ditka Dash partipants to pick up their race day packets and medals. 

More than an inch of rain fell in DeKalb between midnight at 8 a.m. Saturday, and nearly an inch fell at O'Hare International Airport. Rainfall totals are estimated to reach between 1 to 3 inches across the area.

Daytime storms aren't expected to be severe, according to the National Weather Service, but likely will produce heavy rain and potential flash flooding. 

A strong cold front will shift across the Chicago area Saturday night, resulting in possible severe storms and damaging winds of up to 70 mph. 

The National Weather Service also noted there is a nonzero risk of tornados Saturday night across north central Illinois.

Any lingering showers will end early Sunday morning before clouds break for partial sun by the afternoon, though winds will still be strong. The area also will see an elevated frost risk Sunday night and Monday morning.

Sunday will be a much cooler today as highs dip into the upper-50s, dropping even cooler in the afternoon.

Sunshine returns for the start of the work week as temps rise back into the 60s and near 70 degrees by mid-week.

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