Storms in northern Illinois flood roads, cause wind damage

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Severe storms brought up to 6 inches of rain to parts of northern Illinois in less than four hours, causing flash flooding in some areas.

The National Weather Service office in Romeoville said Thursday that the Wednesday evening storms also caused straight-line wind damage in Lake County. Forecasters say the flash flooding was extreme enough to make roads impassable, including the Rockford and Belvidere areas.

Authorities say there were reports of numerous stranded vehicles and drivers having to be rescued. Kent Creek in Rockford went over its banks. The weather service had issued a flash flood warning and flash flood emergency as the storms moved across the state.

One storm report said nearly 5 ˆ½ inches of rain fell at Rockford International Golf Course.