Rockford, IL received three times its average June rainfall by June 22
Multiple rainfall records were broken in Rockford, Illinois after heavy rain drenched the Rock River Valley this week, causing significant flash flooding and forcing officials to impose boating restrictions on the Rock River. Heavy rainfall was recorded across the state this month, leading to widespread river flooding.
According to data provided by the National Weather Service, Rockford's June rainfall total reached an incredible 305.5 mm (12.03 inches) by June 22, 2018.
The amount set its new June monthly rainfall record, breaking the previous record of 300.99 mm (11.85 inches) set in 1993. Rockford's average rain in June is 118.1 mm (4.65 inches), making its current amount three times the normal. The region began keeping such records in 1905.
By 16:30 local time June 21, 56.69 mm (2.35 inches) of rain had fallen in Rockford, breaking the old record for June 21 of 54.8 mm (2.16 inches) set in 1964.
"The all-time wettest month record of 355.09 mm (13.98 inches) recorded in August 2007 could be threatened next week," NWS office in Chicago said.
With 0.25" of rain today, #Rockford's June rainfall total reached an incredible 12.03". This set a new June monthly rainfall record, breaking previous record of 11.85" set in 1993. The all-time wettest month record (13.98" in August 2007) could be threatened next week. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/Iv8f9JJu71
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 22, 2018
"We've had numerous big rains. It's been active and very moist," NWS meteorologist Matt Friedlein said.
Heavy storms on Monday night, June 18, brought flash floods to Rockford, leaving dozens of cars submerged on soaked streets. That "3- to 5-inch event" [76 – 130 mm] contributed significantly to the rainfall total, and it just kept raining with additional storms delivering more water "on really wet ground," Friedlein said. "It keeps piling up."
The high-running Rock River prompted Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle to impose a no-wake restriction on the river, beginning at 08:00 local time on June 22 and lasting until further notice. A no-wake restriction means boaters cannot drive fast enough to create waves.
On June 20, Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana imposed a no-wake zone on his jurisdiction of the Rock River.
Featured image: Flooding in Rockford, IL on June 18, 2018. Credit: Live Storms Media
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