The flood watch is in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for Cook County, the collar counties and the majority of northern Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.

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.

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 was under a flood watch Thursday night in anticipation of thunderstorms expected to move through the city, according to the National Weather Service.

Torrential rains in Chicago caused widespread flooding, road submersion, and water rescues, with over five inches falling in some areas.

Heavy rainfall fell on Chicago's West Side during a short amount of time Tuesday night, leaving some drivers flooded out in underpasses and several homeowners in ankle-deep water in their basements. A Flash Flood Warning was in effect for several hours before the water receded by early Wednesday morning.

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.