We know that many residents across our communities have experienced significant flooding during these recent waves of heavy rain. These weather events have been challenging, and our thoughts are with all who are dealing with the impacts.

The average monthly total of rain for June is 3.45 inches and July is 3.70 inches. We had 3.19 inches on July 3 and 4 -- almost a month of rain in two days.  Over the last 30 days there has been 8.15 inches of rain, more than what is normal for June and July combined.  The MWRD has captured over 13  billion gallons of stormwater that have fallen across Cook County during multiple waves of storms. According to the National Weather Service, the latest storm event had rainfall amounts that ranged from approx. 3.22 inches at O’Hare International Airport, approx 2.52 inches at Midway International Airport, and nearly 3 inches in southern Cook County. 

The MWRD operates the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) | MWRD), which is currently holding more than 13 Billion Gallons of water:

·               The McCook TARP system serves central Chicago and 36 municipalities and is approximately 98 percent full with over 5 Billion Gallons captured. 
·              The Calumet TARP system serves the south side of Chicago and 13 south suburban municipalities and is approximately 92 percent full with nearly 8 Billion Gallons captured.

It is projected Thornton Composite Reservoir (TCR) may be full by mid morning tomorrow.  Conditions are subsiding, Thorn Creek and the Little Calumet River are receding.  However, once TCR is unavailable, there could be an increased risk of overbank flooding in the following communities:   

• Blue Island
• Calumet City
• Dixmoor
• Dolton
• Glenwood
• Harvey
• Lansing
• Phoenix
• Riverdale
• South Holland
• Thornton

Applications are now open for municipalities and local government entities to partner with the MWRD on four stormwater management programs designed to mitigate community flooding throughout Cook County. More information can be found at mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships.

Visit these links for more information about the MWRD, Stormwater Management, TARP and how to help reduce flooding and protect water quality.