CHICAGO – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday toured homes and businesses flooded by up to nine inches of rain over the weekend.
The flooding came as the city tried to host a first-time NASCAR street race, and as the city and residents prepare for Independence Day celebrations, according to FOX News.
“I’m confident that the people of Chicago and our administration will come up with a way forward that’s in the best interest for the entire city,” said Johnson, to reporters.
Officials say it’s the strongest downpour on record in the city since 1987. Johnson is blaming climate change for the storm, and crumbling infrastructure leaving thousands of homes flooded and without power.
The same rain system hit the Peoria area over the weekend, but did not result in nearly as much rain.
The rain has also washed out some of the Canadian wildfires impacting this part of the U.S.