Flood Prone areas in Chicago (Des Plaines, Irving: 2013, insurance, assess)

[looking9]

I've been reading about the flooding caused by sewer backup and heavy downpours in Chicago. Could someone please tell me what are those flood prone areas, within the city itself. In particular, is the Woodlawn in the South Side one of those areas? Thank you.

[SubconsciousMe]

I've used this website in the past to determine my risk... it's a government site but assesses your risk for insurance purposes.

Flooding | Flood Risks | Flood Maps | FloodSmart

[looking9]

Thank you so much. This is indeed a helpful site. It says moderate to low risk. It is not too clear if they consider the sewer flooding problem ... I've looked at flood maps that really just show areas near rivers and flood plains as being in danger.

I saw news reports from last spring about street flooding in South Chicago, so I was hoping someone in the area might have some first hand insight. There in a program I see to mitigate the problem in "flood prone areas" but I can't seem to find a listing of those areas.

[SubconsciousMe]

Since I'm on the 2nd floor, I'm not too worried about it or think about it too much ;-)

[Drover]

Albany Park near the river.

[NARFALICIOUS]

Originally Posted by Drover

Albany Park near the river.

+1 on this. it can also get flooded slightly north by North Park/Von Steuban in that little riverwalk

Also anywhere under bridges. Usually get a lot of water under the train that cuts through ravenswood and uptown...not sure which metra line it is...

Also the HIP

[ChicagoMeO]

I remember that one viaduct over on Irving Park by the Des Plaines river always got backed up.

[Chi-town Native]

Logan Square & Avondale, at least along Milwaukee Ave. There's a reason the area got singled out for this program:

Milwaukee Avenue Green Development Corridor | Green infrastructure funding for homeowners and businesses

[paytonc]

The flood maps only show flood risks related to rainfall & elevation, not sewer backups. The latter is far more widespread, since the sewer system reaches everywhere in the city (one would hope), and the city's elevation change is absolutely nominal.

Basement flooding is caused by stormwater and thus should be less common in parts of town with less pavement and more green, which Woodlawn might qualify as since it's surrounded by parks and has plenty of vacant lots.