Alert archive / Illinois / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 4, NWS Chicago, IL

July 12, 2021Grundy County, LaSalle County, Illinois

NWS Chicago, IL issued this flash flood warning at Jul 12, 2021, 8:42 PM CDT for Grundy County, LaSalle County, Illinois. It was in force for 5 hr. 9 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jul 12, 2021, 8:42 PM CDT (01:42 UTC)
Expired
Jul 13, 2021, 1:30 AM CDT
In force
5 hr
Issued by
NWS Chicago, IL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Grundy County, IL, LaSalle County, IL

The radar

The Chicago radar (KLOT), 60 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 12, 9:55 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD3 N Kinsman, ILOVER ONE FOOT OF WATER FLOWING OVER THE ROADWAY AT THE INTERSECTION OF S KINSMAN AND W GRAND RIDGE ROADS.
Jul 12, 10:19 PM CDTHEAVY RAIN 6.194 Nw Verona, IL3 HOUR RAINFALL TOTAL OF 6.19 INCHES FROM A PERSONAL WEATHER STATION.
Jul 12, 10:30 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD3 Nw Kinsman, ILWATER OF A FOOT OVER ILLINOIS HIGHWAY 170. THIS WAS CONTINUING AT 1 A.M. ON JULY 13 BUT LIKELY BEGAN MUCH EARLIER. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
Jul 12, 10:34 PM CDTHEAVY RAIN 4.241 E Seneca, IL3-HOUR RAINFALL TOTAL OF 4.24 INCHES FROM A PERSONAL WEATHER STATION IN SENECA.
Jul 12, 10:38 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Ese Seneca, ILWATER RESCUES PERFORMED AT THE INTERSECTION OF DUPONT AND KINSMAN RD. AT LEAST 3 VEHICLES STUCK IN THE FLOODED ROADWAY.
Jul 12, 10:39 PM CDTHEAVY RAIN 4.583 E Seneca, IL4-HOUR RAINFALL TOTAL OF 4.58 INCHES FROM A PERSONAL WEATHER STATION.
Jul 12, 10:56 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 S Seneca, ILBRIDGE PARTIALLY WASHED OUT ON RIVER ROAD JUST WEST OF IL 170. RELAYED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.
Jul 12, 11:50 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD2 Ese Seneca, ILSEVERAL INCHES OF WATER RUSHING OVER KINSMAN ROAD DUE TO RISING WATER IN ARMSTRONG RUN.
Jul 13, 1:15 AM CDTFLASH FLOOD2 Se Seneca, ILPART OF INDIANA TRAIL ROAD WASHED OUT WITH WATER CONTINUING OVER THE ROAD.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 00:00Z, 1.7 hours before the alert went out and 122 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lincoln, IL at 00:00Z on 2021-07-13Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 235 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lincoln, IL at 00:00Z on 2021-07-13The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 16 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
235 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-19 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
949 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
22 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
16 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
37 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

672 
WGUS53 KLOT 130142
FFWLOT
ILC063-099-130630-
/O.NEW.KLOT.FF.W.0004.210713T0142Z-210713T0630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Chicago IL
842 PM CDT Mon Jul 12 2021

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  East Central La Salle County in north central Illinois...
  Southwestern Grundy County in northeastern Illinois...

* Until 130 AM CDT.

* At 842 PM CDT, doppler radar indicated nearly stationary showers 
  producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 3 
  inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 
  inches are probable across the warned area. Flash flooding is 
  expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Rapid-onset flooding of small creeks and streams,
           highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other
           poor drainage and low lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Seneca, Ransom, Kinsman, U.S. Highway 6 near Seneca, Illinois 
  Routes 17 and 170, as well as Hog Run and Waupecan Creek.

This also includes the Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area and 
the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Expect flooding of creeks, ditches, farmland, roadways, and and 
other low lying areas.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4135 8865 4135 8854 4121 8854 4111 8858
      4111 8871 4128 8871

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Friedlein
4 follow-up statements
173 
WGUS73 KLOT 130307
FFSLOT

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1007 PM CDT Mon Jul 12 2021

ILC063-099-130630-
/O.CON.KLOT.FF.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210713T0630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Grundy IL-La Salle IL-
1007 PM CDT Mon Jul 12 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 AM CDT TUESDAY 
FOR EAST CENTRAL LA SALLE AND SOUTHWESTERN GRUNDY COUNTIES...

At 1007 PM CDT, doppler radar indicated nearly stationary heavy 
showers and thunderstorms along and near the border of LaSalle and 
Grundy Counties. Trained weather spotters and law enforcement 
reported flash flooding in the area, including in and near the town 
of Seneca. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional 
rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. 
Flash flooding is already occurring.

HAZARD...Significant flash flooding.

SOURCE...Trained spotters reported.

IMPACT...Rapid-onset, significant flooding of creeks, drainage
         ditches, and urban areas. Possible flooding of
         structures. Widespread roadway flooding.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...Seneca, 
Ransom, Kinsman, rural Verona area, U.S. Highway 6 near Seneca, 
Illinois Routes 170 and 17, as well as Hog Run, Waupecan Creek, and 
North and South Kickapoo Creeks.

This also includes the Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area and 
the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may 
already be occurring. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and 
other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life 
and property.

Expect flooding of creeks, ditches, farmland, roadways, and and 
other low lying areas.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4135 8865 4135 8854 4121 8854 4111 8858
      4111 8871 4128 8871

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

Friedlein
441 
WGUS73 KLOT 130420
FFSLOT

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1120 PM CDT Mon Jul 12 2021

ILC063-099-130630-
/O.CON.KLOT.FF.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210713T0630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Grundy IL-La Salle IL-
1120 PM CDT Mon Jul 12 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 AM CDT TUESDAY 
FOR EAST CENTRAL LA SALLE AND SOUTHWESTERN GRUNDY COUNTIES...

At 1120 PM CDT, local law enforcement and trained spotters reported 
significant flash flooding along and near the border of LaSalle and 
Grundy Counties, including the town of Seneca. There have been 
reports of vehicles stalled in water. Between 2 and 6.5 inches of 
rain have fallen in the warning area. Scattered showers, some with 
heavy downpours, will be seen through the overnight. Water will be 
slow to subside and conditions will remain dangerous.

HAZARD...Significant flash flooding.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Rapid-onset, significant flooding of creeks, drainage
         ditches, and urban areas. Possible flooding of
         structures. Widespread roadway flooding.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...Seneca, 
Ransom, Kinsman, rural Verona area, U.S. Highway 6 near Seneca, 
Illinois Routes 170 and 17, as well as Hog Run, Waupecan Creek, and 
North and South Kickapoo Creeks.

This also includes the Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area and 
the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

There is considerable flooding occurring in and near Seneca. Travel 
is strongly discouraged in this area into the overnight.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may 
already be occurring. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and 
other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life 
and property.

Expect flooding of creeks, ditches, farmland, roadways, and and 
other low lying areas.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4135 8865 4135 8854 4121 8854 4111 8858
      4111 8871 4128 8871

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

Friedlein
714 
WGUS73 KLOT 130536
FFSLOT

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1236 AM CDT Tue Jul 13 2021

ILC063-099-130630-
/O.CON.KLOT.FF.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210713T0630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Grundy IL-La Salle IL-
1236 AM CDT Tue Jul 13 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 AM CDT EARLY THIS 
MORNING FOR EAST CENTRAL LA SALLE AND SOUTHWESTERN GRUNDY COUNTIES...

At 1236 AM CDT, local law enforcement continued to report 
significant flash flooding along and near the border of LaSalle and 
Grundy Counties, including the town of Seneca. There have been 
reports of vehicles stalled in water in this area. Between 2 and 6.5 
inches of rain fell in the warned area Monday evening. Scattered 
showers, some with heavy downpours, will be seen through the 
overnight. Water will be slow to subside and conditions will remain 
dangerous. An areal Flood Warning through daybreak will likely 
replace the Flash Flood Warning after its expiration.

HAZARD...Significant flash flooding.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Rapid-onset, significant flooding of creeks, drainage
         ditches, and urban areas. Possible flooding of
         structures. Widespread roadway flooding.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Seneca, 
Ransom, Kinsman, rural Verona area, U.S. Highway 6 near Seneca, 
Illinois Routes 170 and 17, as well as Hog Run, Waupecan Creek, and 
North and South Kickapoo Creeks.

This also includes the Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area and 
the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.

There is considerable flooding occurring in and near Seneca. Travel 
is strongly discouraged in this area into the overnight.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may 
already be occurring. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and 
other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life 
and property.

Expect flooding of creeks, ditches, farmland, roadways, and and 
other low lying areas.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4135 8865 4135 8854 4121 8854 4111 8858
      4111 8871 4128 8871

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

Friedlein
401 
WGUS73 KLOT 130632
FFSLOT

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Chicago IL
132 AM CDT Tue Jul 13 2021

ILC063-099-130642-
/O.EXP.KLOT.FF.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210713T0630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Grundy IL-La Salle IL-
132 AM CDT Tue Jul 13 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR EAST CENTRAL LA SALLE AND 
SOUTHWESTERN GRUNDY COUNTIES...

Much of this warning has been replaced by an Areal Flood Warning 
through 1030 AM CDT this morning as numerous flooded roads continue. 
Please continue to heed road closures.

LAT...LON 4135 8865 4135 8854 4121 8854 4111 8858
      4111 8871 4128 8871

$$

Friedlein

The office that day

Everything else NWS Chicago, IL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 12, 8:14 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTGrundy, LaSalle, Livingston4 hr
Jul 12, 10:33 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTGrundy4 hr
Jul 12, 11:56 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningLOTGrundy, Livingston, Will4 hr
Jul 13, 1:29 AM CDTAreal Flood WarningLOTGrundy, LaSalle9 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Illinois, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.