OEMC Urges All To Take Precautions For Possible Severe Weather

Significant thunderstorm activity is expected in the Chicago area, some events canceled

CHICAGO – The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is encouraging the public to be aware of predicted severe weather and take precautions for the chance of high winds of up to 75-80 mph, very large hailstones, flash flooding and the possibility of tornadoes. Heavy rainfall is likely, which could result in rapid flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, which is currently in effect until 1 a.m. A flash flood watch has also been issued for the area, which remains in effect from this afternoon through 4 a.m. A flash flood watch means that flooding conditions may develop. Thunderstorms will produce widespread rainfall, with local heavy rain of 2-3 inches over Chicago. Flash flooding could occur in isolated areas, with rapid flooding of streets and low lying areas possible.

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during the approaching storm if at all possible and to take shelter at the first sign of lightning or strong winds.

OEMC is monitoring weather conditions with the National Weather Service and is working with the City's public safety and public infrastructure departments, as well as its public-private partners, to coordinate the City's preparations in advance of the storm and response throughout the storm to ensure the safety of residents, motorists and visitors. These precautions include:

•  The Chicago Department of Transportation is prepared to deploy additional electrical crews in the event the storm results in downed power lines, traffic signals and streetlights.
•  The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation is prepared to deploy forestry crews in the event the storm results in downed trees and branches. Crews have already been out clearing debris from viaducts and catch basins.
•  The Department of Water Managements will have six sewer crews available for emergencies.
•  The Chicago Department of Aviation reports that airlines at both airports anticipate there will be delays tonight due to the incoming severe weather and that some airlines have proactively canceled some flights. Passengers traveling through Chicago's airports tonight and tomorrow should check their airlines' website or call to confirm the status of their flight.

In addition, OEMC continues to send out NotifyChicago alerts to residents to provide extreme weather updates throughout the duration of the day and evening regarding weather conditions.

Planned Events in the City

Several events are scheduled for tonight in the city. OEMC has notified organizers to be aware of the extreme weather and to be prepared to implement their emergency weather plans should there be a need to do so. Tonight’s ChicagoWhite Sox game has been canceled for tonight as a precaution for the upcoming weather. A symphony performance scheduled for tonight at Millennium Park has also been canceled. Game one of the Chicago Blackhawks' Stanley Cup pursuit at the United Center will still be played.

For those fans heading to the Blackhawks game tonight, OEMC urges them to take extreme caution and allow for extra travel time to and from the game.

Whether it's Blackhawks games, neighborhood festivals or outdoor concerts and events, OEMC works with event organizers on a routine basis, as well as the Park District, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and other City departments to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.

The City of Chicago regularly coordinates the planning and implementation of large-scale events each summer, which includes everything from planning for traffic impacts to extreme weather preparedness, as the City successfully demonstrated during the brief evacuation and re-entry of last year's Lollapalooza concert during sudden and heavy rainfall.

As always, OEMC encourages residents to check on neighbors or relatives who are elderly or who have limited mobility. Any resident who feels they are in immediate danger should call 9-1-1 for assistance.

Residents are encouraged to sign up at notifychicago.org to receive extreme weather alerts via text message and email.

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The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications was established in 1995 to coordinate the City’s delivery of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services resources. OEMC operates Chicago’s public safety communications system, managing emergency situations and 

coordinating major events, 3-1-1 and 9-1-1 Communications Operations. For more information visit our website at www.cityofchicago.org/oemc or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coemc.