CHICAGO (WLS) Flooding is the number one severe weather killer nationwide, and the Midwest is no stranger to extreme flooding events.
Major flash flooding and record-setting rainfall most recently hit the Chicago-area in May 2020. In just four days, more than 7 inches of rain fell, contributing to major flooding on roadways. On Lower Wacker Drive, several people and trapped motorists had to be rescued by boat. The Chicago River rose high enough that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District had to reverse the flow to Lake Michigan.
May 2020 was the wettest May in Chicago history, with 9.5 inches of rainfall. It was also the third consecutive year with record rainfall in May. Additionally, two of the last five years overall were some of our wettest on record.
After record-breaking snow and cold to start February, the end of the month appears to flip the script to above-normal temperatures. So what does that mean for all the snow still on the ground? The Tribune talked to experts from the National Weather Service, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden and U.S. Geological Survey to find out.
Snow cover vs snow depth: Looking at the data, we re doing just fine on both counts chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Real-time reports are critical in issuing warnings and saving lives. Spotters are provide this real-time ground-truth of local conditions such as hail size, wind speed, tornado development, and local damage to help warn the public. Even as new technology allows the National Weather Service to issue warnings with greater lead time, spotters still serve as a critical link between radar indications of severe weather and what s happening on the ground.