Storms Push Chicago Area's Flood Prevention Efforts to Limits

After a Weekend of Heavy Rains, Chicago’s Deep Tunnel Is Almost Full

For the first time in history, Deep Tunnel, Chicago’s massive system of underground tunnels and reservoirs designed to hold flood water, is almost completely full after a weekend of heavy rain. Built over more than a half-century, Deep Tunnel sends floodwaters from Chicago and nearby suburbs through more than 100 miles of tunnels into three […]

Storms push Chicago area's flood prevention efforts to limits

Managing storm water has always been a challenge in the Chicago area, and the agency responsible is fighting hard after recent rains.

Thornton Reservoir nearly full after heavy storms over weekend

The Thornton Quarry reservoir is the fullest it has been since becoming operational in 2015, at 94% capacity, the MWRD reports.

Chicago's underground flood control system is almost full

Chicago's underground flood control system is almost full Diana Ionescu Tue, 07/07/2026 - 06:00 Primary Image Primary Image Caption McCook Reservoir is located between the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (left) and the Des Plaines River (right). A massive system of underground drainage tunnels and reservoirs in Chicago is nearly full for the first time in its history after a weekend of heavy rains, reports Brett Chase in the Chicago Sun-Times.…

Chicago’s Deep Tunnel anti-flooding system nearly full after days of heavy rain

For the first time in history, Deep Tunnel, Chicago’s massive system of underground tunnels and reservoirs designed to hold flood water, is almost completely full after a weekend of heavy rain. Built over more than a half-century, Deep Tunnel sends floodwaters from Chicago and nearby suburbs through more than 100 miles of tunnels into three reservoirs located just outside of the city. It was designed to help protect area rivers as well as Lake M…