Chicagoland Storms Are Getting Worse — Here’s How to Prepare for the Next Flood

Why Chicagoland Flooding Is Getting Worse

While rainfall is essential for life, when it comes fast and in large amounts, it can wreak havoc on urban environments. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are experiencing more intense storms with higher rainfall totals than ever before. With aging infrastructure and increasing impervious surfaces like pavement and rooftops, there's simply nowhere for stormwater to go — except into basements, streets, and buildings.

Neighborhoods hit hardest by flooding include:

• Lower Wacker Drive, Albany Park, and Humboldt Park in Chicago
• Skokie, Evanston, and Wilmette on the North Shore
• Oak Brook, Elmhurst, and Wheaton in DuPage County
• Lake Forest, Waukegan, and Vernon Hills in Lake County

According to the National Weather Service and local hydrologists, rainfall in Northern Illinois has increased by 10–20% since 1950. That seemingly small shift has led to a 50–100% increase in river flow across Illinois, straining sewer systems and elevating flood risk dramatically.

A Look Back: Chicago’s Major Flood Events

May 2020 – Over 7 inches of rain fell in four days. Entire roads flooded, Lower Wacker Drive submerged, and emergency crews had to rescue trapped motorists by boat. The Chicago River swelled so severely that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District reversed its flow to Lake Michigan to prevent additional inland flooding.

September 2008 – Remnants of Hurricane Ike dropped record rainfall over Chicagoland, especially in the northern and western suburbs. Over 8 inches fell in some neighborhoods, flooding thousands of basements. This became one of the most expensive disaster events in the region.

July 2023 – A summer thunderstorm stalled over the metro area, causing flash floods in Skokie, Northbrook, and Oak Park. In just hours, hundreds of homes reported water damage due to backed-up sewers and overwhelmed sump pump systems.

Hidden Hazards of Floodwater

Floodwater is far more dangerous than it appears — even inside your own home. The following risks apply to both street-level flooding and water that enters your basement:

• Bacteria and sewage – Floodwaters often carry raw sewage, chemical waste, and other contaminants that cause serious illness if ingested or if they enter cuts or wounds.
• Sharp debris – Broken glass, exposed nails, splintered wood, and rusted metal may be invisible in murky water.
• Electric shock – Downed power lines, submerged electrical panels, or plugged-in appliances may cause electrocution.
• Rodents and pests – Rats, insects, and even snakes often flee rising water and may end up inside homes and garages.
• Structural collapse – Prolonged saturation can weaken foundations, shift soil, and cause basement walls or floors to crack or buckle.
• Sinkholes and suction – Hidden drains and collapsing ground can cause people or objects to get pulled under without warning.

Even when floodwater seems shallow or still, it should always be treated as hazardous. Never let children or pets play in floodwater, and never enter water where electricity may be active.

What to Do Immediately After a Flood

If water enters your home during or after a storm, here are the first steps to take:

1. Turn off electricity at the main breaker if water is near outlets, cords, or appliances.
2. Avoid walking through floodwater unless absolutely necessary. If you must, wear rubber boots and gloves and wash thoroughly afterward.
3. Document all damage before cleanup begins. Take photos and video of standing water, water lines on walls, soaked belongings, and structural issues.
4. Call a professional restoration company right away. Time is critical to prevent mold and permanent structural damage.
5. Contact your insurance company to start a claim. Provide documentation and receipts for emergency services.

Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Flood Cleanup

When flooding strikes, many homeowners attempt to manage the cleanup themselves to save money. But DIY cleanup rarely works — and it often makes the problem worse.

Here’s why:

• Hidden moisture lingers behind walls, under floors, and inside insulation. Without thermal imaging and professional-grade dehumidifiers, it can’t be fully removed.
• Mold growth begins within 24 to 48 hours if drying isn’t complete.
• Flooring materials warp or delaminate without proper drying and treatment.
• Contaminants spread throughout the house, especially if HVAC systems are affected.
• Insurance claims may be denied if secondary damage results from improper homeowner remediation.

Flood cleanup requires industrial pumps, truck-mounted vacuums, commercial air movers, and IICRC-certified technicians to handle the full remediation process safely and effectively.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding in Chicagoland

Here are seven steps every homeowner in Chicago, DuPage County, Lake County, and the North Shore should take before the next major storm:

1. Test your sump pump monthly and install a battery backup system.
2. Use a backflow prevention valve to keep city sewage from reversing into your home during heavy rains.
3. Extend your downspouts at least 6 feet away from the foundation.
4. Seal cracks in your foundation and around basement windows or doors.
5. Install a water alarm in low-lying areas of your home.
6. Store valuables off the floor in plastic bins or on elevated shelving.
7. Know your floodplain risk by checking FEMA flood zone maps.

No solution is 100% flood-proof, but proper preparation can prevent thousands in damages and protect your home’s long-term value.

Why Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

When disaster strikes, every minute counts. That’s why property owners across Chicago and the suburbs trust us to respond quickly and restore thoroughly.

What sets us apart:

• 40+ years of local service in Northern Illinois
• IICRC Master Water Restorer-certified technicians
• Full-service water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, and reconstruction
• 24/7 emergency response
• Assistance with insurance documentation and claims
• Backed by ServiceMaster, the nation’s oldest restoration brand (est. 1929)

Whether your storm damage is minor or catastrophic, we bring the tools, training, and professionalism needed to make your home whole again.

Areas We Serve

We proudly restore homes and businesses throughout:

Chicago – Logan Square, South Loop, Rogers Park, Humboldt Park, Albany Park, Lakeview
North Shore – Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook
Lake County – Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Waukegan, Gurnee
DuPage County – Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Oak Brook

Frequently Asked Questions

Is floodwater in my basement dangerous?
Yes. Even if it looks clean, it may contain sewage, bacteria, and hazardous debris.

How quickly does mold form after a flood?
Mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours. That’s why fast, thorough drying is essential.

Does homeowners insurance cover storm flooding?
Not always. Standard policies may not cover external floodwater. However, water damage from internal backups (like sump failure) is often covered with riders. Review your policy carefully.

Can I clean up flood damage myself?
For large-scale damage, DIY cleanup is strongly discouraged. Incomplete drying can cause long-term structural issues and may void insurance coverage.

Call the Experts at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Flooding doesn’t have to be the end of your home’s story. With expert help, fast response, and thorough drying, you can recover safely — and smarter. When the next storm hits, we’re ready.

Chicago Office: (773) 376-1110
Lake County: (847) 316-9145
DuPage County: (708) 524-0304
Website: servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

Related Services

• Residential Water Damage Restoration
• Flooded Basement Cleanup Services
• Residential Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services
• Commercial Water Damage Restoration

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago and built on 40+ years of trusted local experience, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration company serving Chicagoland, Lake County, DuPage County, and the North Shore. We’re proud to be IICRC-certified, MBE/WBE certified, and a member of the Restoration Industry Association. Our expert team is led by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home.