Rockford floods again! Police say: Stay off the roads

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The second severe thunderstorm in two days brought more torrential rain to the Rockford area, causing widespread flooding throughout the city as rescue teams worked to answer dozens of calls from trapped motorists.

Another Flash Flood Warning was issued Sunday as heavy rain hammered the region.

Rockford Police sent a warning to the city’s residents at 9:10 p.m. Sunday, saying, “We’re again receiving reports of flooded roadways and cars stalling out throughout the entire city. Please avoid driving, if possible. And if you must drive, please turn around if you come across water on the roadway.”

Many roadways became impassible, with drivers becoming stuck in cars that stalled in the high water.

According to the city, the following main roadways have experienced flooding:

• E. State St. at Trainer, New Towne, Fairview, Hollister, Welty, Rockford, St. Louis, Rome and Washington
• Fairview/Chelsea from State St. to Brendenwood
• Charles St. at 9th St. – 11th St and Washington St. through 21st St.
• Jefferson St. at 2nd St. through 3rd St.
• Alpine Rd. at Springcreek Rd. and Broadway
• Harrison at Kishwaukee and Colorado
• Springcreek at  N 2nd St. (on Springcreek)
• Broadway at Woodruff (train viaduct)
• Argus Dr. at Bell School through Perryville
• 11 St.  at 18th Ave. through 23rd Ave.
• 6th Ave. at  9th St. through 18th St.
• 7th Ave.  at 9th St. through 18th St.
• Whitman at Rockton
• 9th Street viaduct under the UP railroad tracks
• N. Central at Gilbert
• W. State at Rockton

On Saturday night, some nearby weather stations reported over 6″ of rainfall in a matter of hours. Waters were quick to rise under extreme rainfall rates of 1-2″ per hour, especially along Keith Creek near Charles Street.

The Rockford Fire Department said it responded to over 120 rescue calls between 11 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday.

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