Elmhurst roads reopen, ComEd restores power after rain slams city

ELMHURST – Elmhurst was hit by about 5 inches of rain June 15, causing flooding and closing roads throughout the city.

The city received the heaviest concentration of rain between 4:40 and 5 p.m., City Engineer Kent Johnson said, explaining Elmhurst experienced a "capacity issue," where the rain came down so quickly that the stormwater system couldn't handle that amount of rain in such a short time.

ComEd reported 1,700 Elmhurst customers were without power, but power was restored by 10 p.m., according to a city news release.

Closed roads included the Palmer Drive Underpass, Illinois Route 83, North Avenue at Interstate 290, Spring Road, portions of York Street and numerous side streets. Most roads were reopened by 11 p.m., and all roads were reopened by the afternoon June 16, the release stated.

Johnson said crews worked all night to make sure the Palmer Drive Underpass would be passable for residents.

Crews included members of the Elmhurst Public Works, Police and Fire departments, who were called in to respond to numerous calls for service due to flooding, downed power lines and stranded motorists, according to the release. Public Works crews also checked and cleaned storm drain inlets to be sure they were free of debris in preparation for the storm.

City operations and pumps were functioning during the severe weather, and the Elmhurst Quarry was used to divert water from Salt Creek, the release stated.

The elevations in Salt Creek had begun to recede near Elmhurst by the morning June 16, according to a DuPage County news release.

Residents may dispose flood-damaged items on regular refuse collection days at no additional cost and without refuse stickers, the city release stated.

The city recommends residents contact the city at 630-530-3020 or cityadmin@elmhurst.org to report street and home flooding.

For more information and updates, visit elmhurst.org or the "Elmhurst IL City Administration" Facebook page.