Portions of west-central Chicago experienced localized flash flooding on July 8. Find out how to stay safe in flooded areas.

Rain came down fast and hard Wednesday night in Chicago, creating some hazardous situations not only for drivers, but for first responders who were busy rescuing people who were stuck in high waters. Whether it's a flood on the road or rushing water, some Chicago area firefighters said their training is everything.

The Chicago area has felt less of an impact from the Trump administration’s National Weather Service cuts than offices in the Quad Cities and downstate Lincoln.

Nearly two dozen displaced puppies and dogs from a rescue organization in Texas arrived at PAWS Chicago late Monday night after a 500-mile plane and van journey, with more on the way as the shelter works to rescue the pets from the devastating flash floods.

In parts of Chicago, flash flood alerts rang Tuesday, warning of dangerous conditions as cars were stranded and submerged on highways and water rescues were conducted, but how much rain actually fell across the region and how fast did it all happen?

Chicago flash flooding caused sudden road washouts, and water rescues had to be made at more than one location on the West Side.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday night for Chicago and Cicero and the situation quickly escalated.

Chicago experienced a rare, but not unprecedented, flash flood Tuesday night in what some forecasters described as a "one-in-500-year event."

Straighter, smoother streams flow more violently than those that meander due to a reduction in friction. Areas with steeper terrain can see water accelerate downhill at a much faster rate causing a more destructive flash flood than flatter, open areas.

Clean-up efforts continue after heavy rain fell on Chicago’s West Side during a short amount of time Tuesday night, leaving some drivers flooded out in underpasses and several