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
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.