Flooding shuts down major interstate in Chicago; In Iowa, officials say dam has failed

Rains flood Ill. interstate, endanger Iowa dam

CHICAGO — Heavy rains have drenched swaths of the Midwest, leaving interstates under water, residents stranded and a dam in Iowa on the verge of collapse.

In Chicago, officials say more than 7 inches of rain fell early Saturday.

Standing water has closed a portion of Interstate 290 and the commuter train tracks that run along the expressway just west of Chicago’s downtown.

Crews in the western suburb of Westchester were using boats to search for residents trapped in their homes.

In eastern Iowa, the National Weather Service says the Lake Delhi dam has failed and small communities downstream could be severely flooded.

Meteorologist Chris Legro says water has been detected flowing beneath the dam and a complete failure is possible.