Portion of suburbs under flash flood warning as more thunderstorms expected today

Much of the Chicago area remains under a flash flood watch, while some parts of the suburbs are under a flash flood warning as more thunderstorms are expected today.

Nearly 2½ inches of rain fell Tuesday at the O’Hare International Airport, the region’s official weather station. National Weather Service meteorologists are still compiling data from neighboring weather stations.

The 2.43 inches of precipitation was a record amount of rainfall at O’Hare for an April 14, shattering the previous mark of 1.21 inches set in 1949. It was the rainiest day recorded at O’Hare since April 18, 2013 when 3.54 inches of rain fell. Tuesday was the sixth rainiest April day on record, according to weather service data.

The saturated ground could cause flash flooding as new storms roll into the area this afternoon and evening, forecasters warn.

A flash flood warning has been issued for parts of far Northwestern Cook, Northeastern Kane, Southwestern Lake and Southeastern McHenry counties, according to the weather service. A portion of Central Lake County is also under a flash flood warning.

Storms are expected throughout the suburbs beginning this afternoon and into the evening. There is potential for large hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes throughout Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.