On Monday, May 27, 2019, the City of Elmhurst experienced heavy rainfall of 1.4 inches of rain in the first 60 minutes of the storm, with a total rainfall for the day of between 2.1 and 2.6 inches of rain. The highest intensity of rainfall was 0.5 inches in the first 10 minutes (first round) and 0.4 in 10 minutes (second round). The City experienced citywide street flooding to some degree, which cleared within approximately an hour. The Southwest Wet Weather Facility was in operation and water was being pumped to the 2 MG excess flow tank. The City is aware of 2 homes that took overland flooding, one through a window well. One home reported a sewer back up. All stormwater detention facilities were open and active and operated as designed. Elmhurst Police and Public Works Crews worked throughout the night to monitor streets and clear debris from flooded areas. The majority of reports to the City during this storm event included backyard and street flooding.

It is important for residents to understand that street flooding will continue to occur during significant rain events as designed by the stormwater detention operation plans. The stormwater mitigation system is designed to relieve homes of flooding by redirecting the water into the streets, which then drains into the detention basins. This can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour based on the amount of water. Commuters are cautioned to avoid all flooded streets and not attempt to drive through standing water. Playing in floodwater is also extremely dangerous.

During a heavy rain event, the City often receives inquires on when the Elmhurst Quarry will be open to relieve Elmhurst of standing floodwater. The DuPage County Stormwater Management Team operates the Elmhurst Quarry and is responsible for opening the facility during a heavy rain event. This system takes overflow water from Salt Creek and does very little in preventing flooding on Elmhurst streets.

In preparation of the rain in the forecast this evening, City staff has inspected all of the stormwater basins and is in the process of sweeping and checking all low level inlets for debris.

It is important to call the Elmurst Police Department at 630-530-3050 to report street flooding or basement backups. The Police Department is equipped with dispatching the appropriate City Employees to the scene and also keeps record of the incident.