Storms may bring more heavy rain to Northern Illinois

Thunderstorms are possible again Thursday throughout Northern Illinois with a risk of flash flooding and downed tree limbs.

Strong to severe storms throughout the afternoon and into the evening may bring torrential downpours, which could cause localized flash flooding of streets and ditches, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. Some storms may bring damaging winds, enough to down small tree limbs.

The area affected includes McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, La Salle, Kendall and Grundy counties.

The greatest risk for severe weather is late afternoon, early evening south of Interstate 80, according to the National Weather Service.

Friday’s forecast also calls for another wave of heavy rainfall, leading to more localized flash flooding south of Interstate 80, but possibly as far north as Interstate 88.

Those looking for relief may get it just in time for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday’s forecast predicts sunshine and temperatures into the 80s across northern Illinois.

Motorists should avoid traveling on flooded roadways, because it is difficult to determine the depth or flow of the water, and easy to be carried away by the stream.

Driving tips during flooding situations include:

• Never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
• Even if a road covered by water seems shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross it.
• Seek higher ground if your vehicle stalls in a flooded area; do not attempt to push your vehicle out of the water.