The remains of Tropical Storm Hermine have reached Illinois this morning. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible and flash flood warnings have been issued. Check the National Weather Service as this event unfolds.
While we don’t often use the words “tropical” and “Illinois” in the same sentence, the remains of tropical storms and hurricanes have reached us before. Most of these systems came on shore in Texas and Louisiana and weakened considerably as they moved northward. Usually, the severe weather is gone by the time they reach Illinois but they can produce large amounts of rain than can lead to flooding.
The passage of four tropical systems alleviated drought impacts, particularly in southern and central Illinois during the 2005 growing season. The four systems were Tropical Storm Arlene, and Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, and Rita. An article in the Illinois State Academy of Science by me described that situation in more detail.
More recently, in September 2008 the remains of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav produced heavy rains and flooding in Illinois. More on that particular situation can be found on my website.