A major spring storm moving through the Midwest this weekend is bringing widespread heavy rainfall, with flood warnings and watches posted for portions of 11 states from eastern Oklahoma and Louisiana to Indiana and lower Michigan.
The first waves of rain and thunderstorms began in the Chicago area late Saturday morning and by evening had already brought more than an inch to many locales, with 1.49 inches at Midway Airport, 1.38 inches at Mokena and 1.97 inches at Carbon Hill.
By the time the rain departs early Monday, storm totals across the area should be in the 2- to 4-inch range with the potential for even heavier amounts south and east of the city, sending many area rivers and streams into flood stage.
Heavy April rains also hit the Chicago area just four years ago, when an April 17-18, 2013, storm swamped the city with 5.55 inches of rain, resulting in widespread flooding.
