Flood advisory for Chicago area extended until 6 p.m. as rainstorm moves through

Chicago-area residents should be on the lookout for flooded streets and ponding water Friday as a rainstorm continues to move through the region.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory, which has been extended until 6 p.m., warning of potential roadway flooding and standing water in fields outside the city.

Rainfall totals across the area range from a half inch to just over an inch, with the highest amounts recorded in some parts of the city, according to Scott Lincoln, senior service hydrologist at the weather service.

The South Side and central areas of Chicago have seen diminishing rain, while moderate rainfall continues in the northern parts. There remains a chance for light rain later in the day before conditions dry out through Saturday. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are also expected.

The flood advisory highlights the concern for rising water levels in creeks and streams as well as flooding in areas with poor drainage.

"That means roadways could experience flooding, and standing water may accumulate in fields outside the city. Drivers should exercise caution on the roads,” Lincoln said.

One such incident occurred early Friday in the 2700 block of West Fulton Street in East Garfield Park when a 65-year-old woman drove into pooled water in a viaduct about 7 a.m. Her vehicle became inoperable, and the Chicago Fire Department assisted her out of the vehicle. She was taken to Stroger Hospital for observation.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District issued an overflow action alert on Thursday ahead of the expected rainfall to help prevent overloading the city’s sewer systems.

The reclamation district urged people to conserve water by delaying or shortening showers and putting off running dishwashers and washing machines.

Rain falling on frozen ground won't be absorbed and could flow into the sewer system, the reclamation district said.

"In most of the Chicago area, rainwater goes through the same set of pipes as the water that goes down the drain in your home. When too much water enters sewers too quickly, the sewers can back up into streets and basements," the reclamation district stated on its website. "Extra water in sewers can cause them to overflow into the river in some cases. Every little bit of conservation can help reduce the overall amount of water in the system."