Heavy Rainfall Hits Chicago Area, Totals Exceed 9 Inches in Some Locations
The Chicago area has experienced significant rainfall over the past week, with some locations recording over 9 inches of precipitation. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the heaviest rain was observed in Ford County, where Paxton received 9.45 inches, and Grand Ridge in LaSalle County, which saw 8.84 inches. The rainfall, which began on August 9, included several rounds of severe weather, such as a derecho that caused widespread power outages. Other notable totals include 5.82 inches in Ottawa, 5.23 inches in Flossmoor, and 4.79 inches in Naperville. The persistent rain has impacted both urban and rural areas, with localized flooding reported in some regions. (Source: NBC Chicago, published August 16, 2026, 15:02 UTC)