Baby, the rain must fall

This is the second time this year that I've heard the term "100-year rain" bandied about by meteorologists.

The first was winter in Phoenix when the normally rugged clay-colored mountains turned a verdant green and roofs that seldom saw rain leaked. 

 And now. 

July 24 -North Madison Street in Hinsdale

Capping off our unusually rainy Chicago summer was another "100-year rain" which began early on the evening of July 23 and ended midday on the 24th. Seven inches of torrential rain fell in about 16 hours overflowing rivers and flooding streets and parking lots, homes and basements. 

We nearly missed this historical event. Jeff and I  were celebrating our 33rd on the 23rd and opted to ride the Burlington Northern downtown, partly so our Phoenix guests, Jerry and Lanie, could experience the train and partly, so we wouldn't drink and drive on our anniversary. 

July  23 - On the way to the restaurant
Ominous clouds in the background?

We walked a little more than a mile from Union Station to Frontera Grill/Topolobampo without a drop and were comfortably seated when the rain started. Or so we heard later.

We exited the restaurant after a multi-course dinner to quiet, but slightly damp Chicago streets, walked the mile or so back to Union Station and rode the train to Hinsdale where all was peaceful and calm. For the moment. The sky lit up with lightning and a thunderous sound as we walked a few blocks to the car, but once again the rain held off until we were safely inside the house. Then the heavens burst open and rained all night and the next morning too. 

Some anniversaries are more memorable than others, but never has one been linked to a historic event.

July 24, 2010 10:32 PM WGN Weather

City to dry out after historic rain, floods--July 2010 now 4th wettest