City Streets Turn to Rivers Amidst Torrential Downpour. Viral Footage Reveals Extensive Damage and Emergency Situations
July 26, 2025: After heavy rain fell on the city on Friday, July 25, 2025, Chicago and the neighboring areas are dealing with major flash floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) sent out a Flash Flood Warning for central Cook County, southern DuPage County, and northeastern Will County. Videos and pictures of the flooding rapidly went popular on social media.
Several videos going around on social media show people walking through knee-high water on city streets, and many pictures show automobiles stuck on roads that are flooded, showing how bad the unexpected downpour was. Chicago, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Oak Park, Burbank, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Alsip, and the area around Chicago Midway Airport are some of the places that have been hit the hardest. Some viaducts and underpasses were completely underwater, and in one case, a person had to be rescued from a drowned car. In just 90 minutes, Midway Airport itself had 2.77 inches of rain.
The NWS Chicago office stressed how dangerous the flooding was, especially in cities, on streets, in underpasses, in tiny streams, and in other areas that are low-lying or don’t drain well. They gave a harsh warning: “A Flash Flood Warning signifies that flooding is about to happen or may already be happening quickly. People who live near creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways should take steps right away to protect their lives and property.
Officials have repeatedly warned people to stay away from flooded roads and be very careful, especially at night when it is even harder to see sections that are covered in water. “Turn Around Don’t Drown” is a very important safety message that is being repeated because most individuals who die in floods try to drive or walk through the water. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while twelve inches can wash away most cars.
Flood Watches are still in force for most of Chicagoland until Saturday evening, even though the worst rain has apparently moved south and diminished. More storms and heavy rain are still predicted. People who live in the area should stay alert, pay attention to local news and weather alerts, and do what emergency personnel say.