**Flooding in Chicago Traps Cars and Forces NASCAR Race Cancellation**
**Major Flooding Hits Chicago**
Heavy rains caused significant flooding on the streets of Chicago on Sunday, creating dangerous conditions for residents and visitors alike. The National Weather Service issued warnings, describing the flooding as potentially life-threatening. The area experienced overflowing creeks and streams, impassable roads, and flooded basements. Suburban areas like Cicero and Berwyn saw up to 6 inches of rain by midday, as reported by the NWS website.
**Impact on Transportation**
The severe flooding had a significant impact on transportation in the city. The Illinois State Police were forced to close parts of Interstate 55 and Interstate 290 due to the flooding. This closure led to a distressing situation where at least 10 cars became trapped in water on Interstate 55 near Pulaski Road, a major north-south thoroughfare in Chicago. The flooding also disrupted train services in certain areas of the city.
**Eyewitness Account**
Katera Fisher, one of the affected motorists, described the harrowing experience of being caught in the flooding. She recounted how her car began to float when she attempted to drive through high water. Fearing for her safety, Fisher tried to exit the vehicle, only to find that the water started flooding her feet. Her experience highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the flooding.
**NASCAR Race Cancellation**
The heavy rain also impacted sporting events in Chicago. NASCAR officials had originally planned to resume an Xfinity Series race through the city’s downtown on Sunday morning, after suspending it the previous day due to lightning. However, the ongoing rain forced the officials to cancel the race halfway through. Consequently, Cole Custer was declared the winner. Despite the cancellation, the NASCAR Cup Series race proceeded as scheduled later in the day.
**Delayed Baseball Game**
The flooding also affected the start of the Chicago Cubs’ afternoon game against the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field. Due to the unfavorable weather conditions, the game experienced a delayed start.
**Meteorological Analysis**
Ricky Castro, a meteorologist at the NWS’ Chicago office in suburban Romeoville, explained the cause of the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. He stated that a storm system was swirling above the area, rather than moving east, allowing it to draw moisture from the atmosphere and leading to significant rainfall. The abundance of concrete in the metropolitan area prevented the rainwater from seeping into the ground, exacerbating the flooding situation.
In conclusion, Chicago experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, causing road closures, car traps, and disruptions to sporting events. The situation highlighted the need for caution and preparedness during extreme weather events, and the challenges posed by urban infrastructure in managing rainfall.
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