Overflow Action Alert Issued Amid Heavy Rain in Chicago Region
Overflow Action Alert Issued Amid Heavy Rain in Chicago Region
US · Published Aug 13, 2026
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has issued an Overflow Action Alert following heavy rain events in the region.
As of August 11, 2026, the McCook reservoir and tunnel system, which serves central Chicago and 36 municipalities, was at 95% capacity, holding nearly 5 billion gallons of water.

Impact & Risks

The heavy rain has significantly strained the region's stormwater management systems, increasing the risk of basement flooding and sewer backups for residents in central Chicago and surrounding municipalities. With reservoirs nearing capacity, additional rainfall could exacerbate flooding issues. Nearly 300,000 residents experienced power outages due to the storms, highlighting the broader impact of severe weather on infrastructure and daily life. Residents are advised to take precautions to mitigate water damage and ensure safety during cleanup efforts.

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