Illinois EPA

06/17/2026

The areas expected for severe weather this afternoon and evening remains largely the same. But every county in Illinois will see something.

We've seen reports of office closures and event cancellations, so if you were planning to brave the weather, check first that the activity is still going on, then double-check the weather conditions and forecast for your specific area.

06/17/2026

Strong winds and flooding are only parts of the weather situation we face today in Illinois. We already have a wind advisory in the southern half of the state and a flood watch in the northern half. And conditions will get worse today.

Always check the current weather conditions, the short-term forecast, and travel paths before setting out today.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Overflow Action Alert

Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality:

• Delay showers and baths
• Flush less frequently
• Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine

Flooding and sewer backups can happen for a variety of reasons. To help prevent flooding inside or around your home, there are actions you and your family can take before and during rainfall.

Learn how to prepare for stormwater at this link: https://mwrd.org/community-action/you-can-help-prevent-flooding-and-protect-water-quality.

Learn more about Combined Sewer Overflow prevention here: https://mwrd.org/community-action/overflow-action

Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alerts via text
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/YhH2xGP/MWRDSignup

Learn what you should do during flooding:
https://mwrd.org/community-action/what-you-should-do-during-flooding

For more information and explanations about how the MWRD’s infrastructure and waterway system operate, visit these links:

Learn about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/tunnel-and-reservoir-plan-tarp

Understand how the Chicago Area Waterway System works
https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/reducing-flooding/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws

Learn about the types of sewer systems in Cook County
https://mwrd.org/community-action/understanding-your-sewer

Request a presentation for your community
https://mwrd.org/education/speakers-and-outreach

Tour our facilities
https://mwrd.org/education/tours

Municipal partners can explore stormwater partnership opportunities
https://mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships

The top of the MWRD’s website displays a notification if an Overflow Action Alert is active. Visit mwrd.org.

Overflow Action Alerts are a joint initiative of the MWRD and Friends of the Chicago River

06/16/2026

During National Rivers Month, we're highlighting one of the many ways Illinois EPA biologists monitor the health of our waterways. 💧

One of the tools they use is called a Hester-Dendy artificial substrate plate. These plates are placed in the water for 4 to 6 weeks getting colonized by aquatic insects. Once retrieved, our biologists identify and count the insects living on them. The type and number of aquatic insects helps Biologists determine overall stream health.

By monitoring life below the surface, we gain valuable insights that help protect and preserve waterways like the mighty Mississippi River. 🔬

06/16/2026

UPDATE: The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded the risk for severe weather for tomorrow (Wednesday) to "moderate" (level 4 of 5) for central Illinois.

Possibilities include damaging winds with gusts up to 60-75 mph, large hail, scattered tornadoes, and flash flooding.

We know you're tired of storms. But we have to be prepared.

06/15/2026

Interested in brownfield redevelopment opportunities?

Join Illinois EPA and the Kansas State University Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program for a free two day virtual workshop covering strategies for preparing competitive U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant applications. Attendees will also hear the latest updates and program overviews from Illinois EPA's Brownfields Program, Site Remediation Program, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program.

To register and learn more: https://www.ksutab.org/event/illinois-brownfield-grant-writing-strategies-workshop

06/15/2026

Safe battery recycling starts with you. Learn more: https://batterynetwork.org/battery-basics/.

06/15/2026

Join us in Taylorville, Wednesday, July 9, for the State of Illinois Career Fair! 🚗

📅 Wednesday, July 9
🕙 10AM–3PM
📍 VFW Taylorville, 515 N. West Avenue (behind Ace Hardware)

💼 Explore a variety of public service career opportunities and start your career with us!

06/12/2026

Impacted by recent storms? ⛈️🌪️

If your community was impacted by recent storms or tornadoes, Illinois EPA has guidance to help you safely and properly dispose of debris while protecting public health and the environment. Learn how to manage household waste, recyclable materials, and other storm and flood debris.

Find disposal information and guidance here:
🔗 https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/storm-flood-debris-and-disaster-areas.html