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Posted: Friday, 19 June 2009 4:01PM
Severe Weather Packed Torrential Punch
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CHICAGO (STNG) ― Along with leaving about 19,500 people without power in the city and suburbs, severe weather that hit Chicago on Friday also flooded streets, downed power lines and caused cancellations and delays at the airports.
The National Weather Service reported that most of the severe storms have left the area Friday afternoon, but more rain and storms can be expected this evening and into tonight.
Earlier Friday, storms knocked out power to about 19,500 Commonwealth Edison customers in the area, ComEd spokesman Jeff Burdick said. About 7,600 of those affected were in Chicago.
As of 10:30 a.m., delays at O’Hare Airport were averaging one hour for flights in and out of the airport, according to the Department of Aviation. More than 50 flights have been canceled.
At Midway Airport, delays were averaging 15 to 30 minutes and no cancellations have been reported.
After the severe storms hit the area, bringing hail, heavy rain, thunder and lightning, the Department of Streets & Sanitation sent crews out to respond to various calls of storm damage citywide.
The department received reports of 162 damaged trees, 35 traffic light outages, 12 damaged light poles, 10 city light pole wires down and 17 blocks with street light outages, many due to ComEd outages, according to a Streets & San release.
Aside from the rain and thunderstorms, which may continue until 1 a.m. Saturday, the weather service is also warning of flooding in the area.
With nearly two inches of rain falling in the past 24 hours and more rain expected, the elevated levels of the Des Plaines River may cause flooded roadways in the area. The storms may also cause flash flooding in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
The city’s Water Department answered 328 calls for water in the streets and 192 calls for water in basements, according to a release from the city, which warned residents with flooded basements to avoid entering them unless they are certain the power is off.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana until 3 p.m., according to the weather service.
Those headed to the airports on Friday are urged to check with their airlines before leaving, and those who want to report a weather-related incident to the city can call 311.
The city's Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza got off to a wet start and ended early because of the rain.
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