5 Inches of Rain Leaves Wilmette Streets Flooded

Nearly 5 inches of rain fell on Wilmette between Wednesday and Thursday morning, leaving flooded streets around town, according to the village.

The storm water pumping station that serves residents west of Ridge Road ran at full capacity throughout the storm overnight, and continues to receive water, according to a press release on the village website.

"However, the intensity of the rain, particularly overnight and early this morning have surcharged the storm sewers – meaning that they are flowing all the storm water that they can transport but there is more water than their capacity," the release said. "Surface flooding, street flooding and overland flooding, will begin to recede as soon as rainfall rates diminish."

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District opened the locks to Wilmette Harbor early Thursday morning to relieve flooding on the east side of the village, according to the release. Sewers on that side of town are also surcharged.

Sewers on both sides of town are flowing and receiving water, although they are working at full capacity, according to the release. 

"If possible, please avoid traveling," the release said. "If you must travel, particularly if driving to other communities, please exercise extreme caution when approaching areas where water covers the road. Do not attempt to drive through standing water."

Residents with power outages are advised to call 1-800-EDISON-1.