Thunderstorms and Widespread Rainfall Across the Southern Plains

Isolated severe thunderstorms and widespread showers may produce flash flooding across the Southern Plains through Thursday. Numerous instances of flash flooding are expected in south-central Texas, including portions of the Hill Country; and an additional area across eastern Oklahoma into the Ozarks on Thursday. Heavy rainfall and mountain snow will return to southern California on Thursday. Read More >

Overview

Unusually high Lake Michigan water levels, near record in fact, set the stage for minor flooding impacts with a prolonged, breezy northerly winds on Independence Day weekend 2019. North-northeast winds were regularly gusting 15-25 kt, and while not as strong as usual for flooding events, the wave action on top of high levels resulted in the minor flooding. This was minor but because it was summer and beaches were active, this episode had impacts more so than typical season for lakeshore flood advisory events (autumn, winter, and spring). This included flooding along Chicago area beaches and parts of the city's bike path. A Lakeshore Flood Advisory was issued beforehand, along with a Beach Hazards Statement for rip currents, by NWS Chicago.

Flooding along the Chicago shore on July 6, 2019.

Photos
Winds & Waves

Photos


Chicago shore minor flooding.	Volleyball net posts flooded in Chicago.	Chicago bike path closed.	Chicago bike patch closed.

Winds & Waves


Southern Lake MI open water buoy winds	Wilmette, IL buoy winds	Michigan City, IN buoy winds


Southern Lake MI open water buoy winds	Wilmette, IL buoy winds	Michigan City, IN buoy winds

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Thunderstorms and Widespread Rainfall Across the Southern Plains

July 6-7, 2019: Rare Summertime Flooding Along Lake Michigan Beaches