Flood Watch Issued for Portions of Illinois and Indiana
The National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago IL has issued a Flood Watch for portions of Illinois and Indiana, effective from 10 AM CDT this morning, June 17, until 9:00 PM CDT tonight, June 17, 2026. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible due to anticipated heavy showers and thunderstorms.
A Flood Watch has been issued by the NWS Chicago IL for portions of Illinois and Indiana. The watch is in effect from 10 AM CDT this morning, June 17, until 9:00 PM CDT this evening, June 17, 2026. Affected counties in Illinois include Cook, DuPage, Will, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lake IL, and Livingston. In Indiana, the watch covers Benton, Jasper, Lake IN, Newton, and Porter Counties.
The primary concern is flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. Rain may be heavy at times, with the strongest storms potentially delivering up to 2 inches of rain in a single hour in the hardest-hit areas.
Soil moisture is currently high, and stream flows are elevated. These conditions mean that heavy rainfall could quickly lead to flash flooding in streams, creeks, low-lying, and flood-prone areas. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks as a result.
A Flood Watch for flash flooding signifies that rapid-onset flooding is possible, but not yet certain, based on the latest forecasts.