City of Elmhurst: June 15 Storm Review

Submitted by the City of Elmhurst. Photo submitted by Pam Entwistle.

On Monday evening, June 15, the City of Elmhurst received an estimated five inches of rainfall during a severe storm that affected much of the Chicago metropolitan area. The heaviest concentration of rain occurred between 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., when an over an inch is estimated to have fallen.

In preparation for the storm, city public works crews had checked and cleaned storm drain inlets to be sure they were free of debris, while a supply of sandbags was provided for community use at the Elmhurst public works garage. City service crews were put on alert and all available city staff including public works, police, and fire crews were called in to respond to numerous calls for service due to flooding, downed power lines, and stranded motorists. Numerous areas of Elmhurst experienced street and over land flooding.

ComEd reported approximately 1,700 Elmhurst customers experienced power outages. According to ComEd, all power was restored before 10 p.m. Approximately 95 percent of Elmhurst streets were reopened by 11 p.m. and all roads are open at this time.

During the storm the city was in continued contact with DuPage County officials. The quarry facility diverted water from Salt Creek throughout the storm and will continue to be monitored Tuesday.

As has been the common practice for the last several years, free sand bags were made available the City’s Public Work garage. The city has been loaned a machine to expedite the making of sandbags by the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Sandbags are free and available to all Elmhurst residents during this season.

By 9:30 p.m. floodwaters in Elmhurst had receded significantly. City street crews remained on duty overnight to begin clean up and to monitor conditions and open streets as possible. As designed, the Palmer Drive underpass took on water during the storm, was pumped out, and was re-opened the morning of June 16. City crews are continuing clean-up efforts throughout the community.

During the storm, the City of Elmhurst provided flood-related updates via special e-blasts and on the city’s website and Facebook pages.

In addition, the City has announced flood-damaged property may be put out with regular garbage pick-up at no additional cost without refuse stickers. Items should be disposed of at the curb on residents’ regular refuse collection day.

Due to the severe weather the City of Elmhurst’s regular City Council Meeting was canceled. The meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, June 22, 7:30 p.m.

If you experienced street or home flooding, please contact the City at (630)530-3020 or by emailing cityadmin@elmhurst.org; please indicate your address and the type of flood issue you experienced ie: street, yard, or residential. For the latest information please visit elmhurst.org.