Storms Cause Flooding In Northwest Indiana, Hail Hammers Southern Suburbs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- More rain was expected in the Chicago area on Monday, on the heels of a storm that caused flash flooding in some areas of northwest Indiana, caused hail damage in the south suburbs, and sparked and a possible tornado near DeMotte, Indiana.
Amateur video recorded about two miles north of DeMotte showed a funnel cloud close to the ground, although the National Weather Service has not confirmed if a tornado touched down.
The same storm system caused flash flooding, and washed out several roads in Crown Point. Initial estimates showed 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in a short period of time Sunday afternoon.
That was enough to wash out several roadways and intersections, stranding several vehicles, with the depth of the water on some roads unnoticeable until it was too late.
The storm also caused flooding in a few dozen homes. It was enough to cause headaches for residents who spent the breaks between downpours sweeping away heavy waters that came dangerously close to their homes.
It was a situation some have seen before, but just can't get used to.
"I like when I hear the term that … the size of a problem you can handle says how big you are, so God must think I'm pretty big," flood victim Willy Chandler said.
According to the National Weather Service, 3.79 inches of rain fell in Cedar Lake, 2.72 inches fell in Lakes of the Four Seasons, 2.5 inches fell in Fowler, 2.31 inches fell in DeMotte,1.91 inches fell in Hobart, and 1.51 inches fell in Valparaiso.
Floodwaters were high enough to close a few roads completely in the southern parts of Porter County.
Residents said they are accustomed to potential flooding during periods of heavy rain, but they were hoping to avoid even more problems on Monday as new rounds of showers and storms were in the forecast.
Sunday's storms also brought heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail to the southern suburbs.
Pounding hail hammered the town of Bradley, just north of Kankakee. At times, the wind practically blew the rain sideways.
Many fences were smashed by hail and wind, and branches were shorn from trees.
Drivers also had a tough time navigating flooded streets and viaducts. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries from the storm.