Last month was the second-wettest April on record for Illinois. Average state precipitation came in at about seven inches.
State Climatologist Jim Angel says much of it came in the last seven days, particularly in downstate areas such as Carbondale and Murphysboro. Gov. Bruce Rauner activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate relief efforts.
Northern Illinois received about 4 to 5 inches of rain, which caused flooding in areas such as LaSalle County. Angel notes that small rivers react quickly to heavy rainfall, so authorities are examining when the larger rivers will peak.