Another night of potentially dangerous storms is possible in the Chicago area Friday as the threat for severe weather increases heading into the afternoon and evening hours for northern Illinois.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding in Texas last week, government officials from President Donald Trump to the governor of Texas to county representatives have sought to deflect blame and shift public focus away from questions of responsibility.

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.

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.

More than a month's worth of rain fell on Chicago in 90 minutes on Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). "There were numerous reports of flooded viaducts, several reports of water rescues, and a few reports of flooded basements," the NWS said.

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.

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