Heavy flooding wreaks havoc in Calumet City

COOK COUNTY, Ill. - Several cars were submerged, and homes were partially destroyed in Calumet City due to heavy flooding on Sunday.

Several inches of rain fell in less than an hour, and the result was dreadful. Calumet City families spent the day drying off and cleaning up.

The back of Kenneth Williams home was filled with water, his basement was flooded, and inside his home, floodwaters were waist high. Everything in his basement was destroyed.

Crews spent the day diverting traffic as waterlogged streets remained impassable. On some roads, hours after the rainfall, cars were still stalled, and workers were seen clearing drains.

This was the third time Katrina Stallworth’s basement flooded in the past year. Two to three inches of water took over her home; appliances, clothes and her son’s bedroom were all destroyed.

"Not because my sump pump or anything went out, (but) because Cal City’s sewage program is not up to par. Since 1981 they have been having issues," said Stallworth.

Calumet City has obtained nearly $100 million to improve its dilapidated sewer system, but the mayor says the process is no quick fix.

The National Weather Service had issued a Flash Flood Warning for Cook County that was set to expire at 5 p.m. But by then, the damage was already done.

In the 300 block of Manistee, water filled the streets and crept up into the yards of homes. Residents were advised to avoid flooded areas and to find alternate routes when driving.

No injuries were reported.