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Heavy rain, flooding across Chicago area resulted in a messy evening for drivers

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Updated  August 14, 2023 10:04pm CDT
Severe Weather
FOX 32 Chicago

Heavy rain, flooding causing headaches for Chicago drivers

It's been a messy evening with some drivers getting more than they bargained for.

CHICAGO - Heavy rain and flooding across the Chicago area Monday resulted in a messy evening for some drivers.

The area of 31st Street and Robinson Street – near Bridgeport – was shut down to traffic after one man’s car stalled while attempting to drive through standing water.  

Police were on-scene to re-direct other drivers.

"I thought I could get through, but then I got splashed with water in front," said Nicklas Morario.

Busy preparing to head back to college this week, it was not the evening Morario had in mind.

He was on the expressway when visibility became so poor from the rainfall that he decided to exit. That’s when he drove underneath an overpass.

"[The water] was pretty much at the bottom of the door," said Morario.

Taking his chances that he could clear it, the car stalled – and soon, he was stuck.

Vehicles submerged under viaduct on Chicago's West Side

At least two cars were submerged on Chicago's West Side Monday night.

"All the engine lights went on, then the car started smoking and I just immediately turned off the car," said Morario. "It completely stalled and there was nothing I could do. I thought the car would have started on fire if I kept trying."

Firefighters responded and waded through the water to reach Morario.

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"I just put the car in neutral and they came behind and pushed it," said Morario.

At Western and Ogden, two cars were swept away in floodwater where they were left partially submerged. The Chicago Fire Department also responded there to help.

In Cicero, it was a similar scene at 16th Street and 46th Court – with at least one parked car getting swept away.

Meanwhile, streets disappeared at Columbus Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive where cars were making a splash.

With a Flood Watch in effect for much of the day, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago issued an "Overflow Action Alert" Monday morning –urging residents to conserve water as a precautionary measure to help prevent sewer backups.

To help alleviate potential strain on the system, the District recommended strategies like delaying showers and baths. Additionally, they suggested postponing the use of dishwashers and washing machines until the weather subsides and the risk of flooding diminishes.