Five Inch Rainfall Reported This Morning; Trees Down, Flooded Roadways, Power Outages; Plenty of Photos

3PM UPDATE--THE FAYETTE AVENUE UNDERPASS IS OPEN; WATER HAS RECEDED IN THE CITY BUSINESS PARK AND ON SOUTH ROUTE 45; THE CRASH ON NORTH ROUTE 45 HAS BEEN CLEARED AND THAT ROADWAY IS OPEN 

10:30AM UPDATE--THE FAYETTE AVENUE UNDERPASS REMAINS CLOSED; THERE IS WATER ACROSS THE ROADWAY ON RANEY STREET IN THE CITY BUSINESS PARK; THERE IS WATER ON THE ROADWAY ON SOUTH ROUTE 45 NEAR THE AIRPORT BUT TRAVEL IS REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN THAT AREA; A CRASH ON NORTH ROUTE 45 NEAR MID AMERICA MOTORWORKS AND THE EQUITY CORPORATE OFFICES IS CLOSED DUE TO A CRASH WITH INJURIES

A torrential rainstorm resulted from the severe thunderstorms that rolled through the Effingham area about 5am today.

There are many reports of flooded roadways and power outages, hail and heavy rainfall. As of 9:30am, the Fayette Avenue underpass is still closed. 

(THE SCENE AT EFFINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL)

We have recorded five inches of rainfall here at our studios since 5am.

(CLINTON AND CHERRY IN EFFINGHAM)

There are a number of roadways, including city streets, under water. That includes the Fayette Avenue underpass. Traffic is being routed off Fayette for several blocks in either direction of that underpass.

(THIS IS COURTESY OF LIBBY WHO LIVES ALONG GROVE AVENUE)

The amount of rainfall in such a relatively short amount of time has been more than storm drainage systems could handle.

(AT THE INTERSECTION OF EVERGREEN AND MERCHANT)

The entire cities of Altamont and St. Elmo were reported without power about 7:30am and a number of scattered outages were reported in outlying areas.

(FLATTENED CORN NORTH OF BEECHER CITY)

Trees were reported down along Illinois Route 128 from Beecher City south to the junction with US Route 40, and along the roadway from Montrose north to Lake Land College. A tree reportedly struck a power pole at the Mason Civic Center. 

(ANOTHER FLOODED ROADWAY)

A number of crashes have been reported, including on I-70 at the east edge of Effingham and between Effingham and Altamont.

We had a report that the torrent of rainwater was dislodging a culvert on Lake Sara Road in the area between Route 40 and the substation to the north.

Here is why South Shore Drive is closed from 1400th to 1450th Avenues...

(This is one side of the road)

(And this is the other side)

Thanks to everyone who has provided us with information. We will keep you up to date!