"Record-setting rains in parts of the Midwest have caused hundreds of flight cancellations and flooding, with one northern Illinois hospital evacuating patients due to rising floodwaters."

"Forty-four patients were removed Thursday from Morris Hospital in Morris, Illinois, due to the threat of rising floodwaters from the nearby Illinois River that had already soaked the two-story facility's ground floor, said hospital spokeswoman Janet Long. Of those, 27 were transferred to other hospitals and 17 ended up going home or back to their nursing homes.

The evacuation was precautionary, Long said, adding that the hospital's emergency department will remain open Friday -- when the Illinois River is expected to crest around 7 a.m."

Greg Botelho and Cristy Lenz report for CNN April 19, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Wastewater released into Lake Michigan" (Chicago Tribune) [3]

"Heavy Rains and Flooding Problems in Central Illinois" (Bloomington Pantagraph) [4]

"Mississippi River Locks 16-24 To Close Due To Flood: Army Corps" (Reuters) [5]

"Heavy Rains in Chicago Area Cause Flooding, Close Roads" (Reuters) [6]

"U.S. Drought Easing Slightly After Week's Rains" (Reuters) [7]