Illinois State Water Survey

We might have an answer to the pungent question in Central Illinois of late: Just what is that awful smell? It's likely a phenomenon called petrichor, according to a state climatologist.

State climatologist Trent Ford with the Illinois State Water Survey said, as of Wednesday morning, the Town of Normal has received 4.3 inches of rain since April 1. Only 1992 was drier, said Ford.

Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding in McLean County over the weekend uprooted pavement, stranded drivers, and filled basements with water. South Bloomington, Heyworth, Downs, and LeRoy bore the brunt of it, logging more than 10 inches of rain over the course of three days.