On July 27, 2026, Chicago faced a series of powerful storms that brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing significant disruptions across the city. The National Weather Service reported that Midway Airport recorded up to three inches of rain and winds reaching 74 miles per hour, while O’Hare Airport saw approximately two inches of rainfall by 4:30 p.m. The storms led to flash flooding, downed trees, and extensive power outages, leaving residents to deal with the aftermath.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) received numerous calls for assistance, including 238 reports of water in basements, 286 calls for water on the streets, and 17 calls for flooded viaducts. Additionally, there were over 770 tree emergency calls, highlighting the widespread impact of the storms. ComEd reported more than 2,600 power outages across Cook County, adding to the challenges faced by Chicagoans.
Residents Share Their Experiences
In the Beverly neighborhood, Chuck Gill recounted how a tree branch fell on his car around 1:30 p.m. on July 27, 2026. ‘It was like a burst. It lasted like a minute and all of a sudden I looked out and [the branch] is on my car,’ said the 64-year-old. Gill noted that the Beverly area has experienced significant weather-related damage in recent months, including two major storms in mid-June that caused widespread flooding on the Far South Side.
In Belmont Cragin, strong winds led to downed limbs and power lines. Meineke Car Care Center at 4621 W. Belmont Ave. saw a fallen power line crash into cars parked at the business. Charles McDonald, the store manager, described the damage as extensive, including sparks burning a hole in a car’s hood and a pole piercing another car’s roof and windshield. ComEd responded to the downed lines but did not provide details on the extent of the outage.
Safety Measures and Expert Advice
The City of Chicago encourages residents to report flooding, downed trees, and damaged power lines through the 311.chicago.gov portal or by dialing 3-1-1. Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard previously emphasized that trees blocking streets are a top priority, while other requests, such as trees crushing parked cars, are addressed later.
Roy Spencer, founder and president of Perma-Seal, a Chicago-area business specializing in waterproofing basements, offered crucial advice for dealing with flooded basements. He stressed the importance of never walking into floodwaters due to the risk of loose wires or exposed electric lines. Instead, residents should ensure their power is off before entering a flooded basement. If the power box is inaccessible, ComEd can assist in turning off the electricity.
Spencer also highlighted the potential contamination of basement floodwater. Chicago’s Rainblocker program aims to prevent the city’s sewer main from reaching capacity through restrictor valves placed in stormwater catch basins. However, the city acknowledges that the program is still a work in progress. Once the power has been shut off, residents should check their sump pump, as a failed sump pump is the most likely cause of a flooded basement.
Experts recommend checking the sump pump annually, ideally in the spring, to ensure it is working properly ahead of summer storms. This includes making sure there is no material obstructing the pump and verifying that it is plugged in. Documenting flooding by taking pictures and videos can help maintenance services like Perma-Seal determine the problem.
The recent storms serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of severe weather. As Chicagoans continue to deal with the aftermath, following expert advice and reporting issues promptly can help mitigate further damage.
