Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Westmont face a localized flooding threat Friday, July 31, through Saturday morning, the National Weather Service warned, with repeated downpours expected to dump more than two inches of rain on communities still recovering from last week's deadly storms.

The NWS forecast for Downers Grove shows a Hazardous Weather Outlook already active for DuPage County, with a 90% chance of showers Friday afternoon, thunderstorms possible after 5 p.m., and a 100% chance of rain Friday night. Saturday brings an 80% chance of continued showers and thunderstorms, with wind gusts up to 30 mph.

The weather service said flooding of low-lying and poor-draining areas is likely, and rises in river and creek levels may occur. Some Friday storms "may approach severe limits," according to Patch, which reported the NWS outlook on Thursday, July 30.

New rainfall amounts of three-quarters to one inch are possible Friday night alone, with another half to three-quarters of an inch on Saturday, according to the NWS forecast.

Four days after a fatal storm

The threat is immediate. It arrives while the area is still dealing with damage from Monday, July 27, when a line of severe thunderstorms brought winds over 70 mph, large hail, and flash flooding to the region. The NWS confirmed a tornado touched down in Downers Grove that day, one of at least seven across the Chicago area, ABC7 reported.

Two contractors working for Vortex Lining Systems on an $8.5-million storm sewer rehabilitation project beneath downtown Downers Grove became trapped in the 800 block of Curtiss Street around 12:50 p.m. on July 27, according to Fox 8. One worker was rescued about 200 feet from the entry point around 3:15 p.m. and taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in good condition. The second worker, Ivan A. Perez, 33, of Pasadena, Texas, was recovered around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, and pronounced dead at the scene. The DuPage County Coroner's Office publicly identified Perez on Thursday, July 30.

"We are devastated by the loss of our team member following an unexpected major rain event, and are doing everything we can to support his family during this incredibly difficult time," Bo Sims, chief marketing officer of Vortex Companies, said in a statement on Wednesday, July 29.

The DuPage County Coroner's Office is determining the cause of death, and OSHA has opened an investigation.

As of 9 a.m. on July 28, more than 5,000 ComEd customers in Downers Grove remained without power, according to a village statement.

Woodridge already on alert

Woodridge has flooded before. Mayor Gina Cunningham wrote in the village's July 24 E-News that some residents experienced street flooding, basement flooding, and sanitary sewer backups after the July 4 storm. The village said it is actively reviewing those impacts.

What residents should do

Residents who experience significant street flooding or basement flooding requiring immediate help should call 911. Power outages can be reported to ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 or at comed.com. Downers Grove residents can report parkway tree damage and fallen limbs to Public Works at 630-434-5460 or through the village service request portal.

Conditions are expected to improve by Monday, August 3, with partly sunny skies and a high near 78°F.