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.

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.

Texas. North Carolina. Illinois. New Mexico. Flash flooding has surged into the spotlight in the last week with record-breaking flood events occurring nearly back-to-back across the country. Here’s why they happened now and why floods are becoming more intense.

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

Follow for live updates in the Texas flooding as more than 160 are missing as rescuers continue a desperate search

Destructive flash floods hit New Mexico and Chicago on Tuesday, prompting water rescues. Here’s where they may hit next.

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.