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Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor signed a proclamation declaring that severe flooding has created a disaster in Lake County, Illinois. The proclamation was signed late Wednesday night and sent to Governor Rauner and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Heavy rain caused localized flash flooding of streets, yards, homes and businesses, and we are currently monitoring flooding of several rivers, streams and lakes in Lake County that is taking place over the next couple of days.
Fox River/Chain O'Lakes
Those who live along or near the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes should prepare for high water over the next several days and pay attention to future forecasts. According to the IDNR, the Fox River in New Munster, WI is
cresting today at 17.4 feet and is currently moving 9700 cubic feet per second (cfs.) toward the Chain O'Lakes, which is
anticipated to arrive in the Chain tomorrow. The current forecast is for 13,400 cfs. inflow into the system on Friday. This flow is higher than we have
seen on the Chain, so our lake and river stage estimates are included from
our known information, but there is some uncertainty because we have nothing to
compare them with.
The gates at Stratton and Algonquin are open to their maximum to draw down the water before the peak gets here tomorrow.
The current estimate forecast shows the
following peak river/lake stages between July 16-17. Flooding of this magnitude has not been
seen before.
- Fox Lake gage may crest over
8.2 feet. The current stage is 6.01 feet.
- Stratton HW gage will crest
over 6 feet. The current stage is 4.21 feet.
- Stratton TW gage may crest over 8.5 feet. The current stage is
5.15 feet.
View Chain O'Lakes Inundation Maps that show where flooding may occur.
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines River at Russell is currently at 11 feet, which is approaching record flood stage of 11.1 feet. A crest of 11.4 feet is forecast to
occur this evening.
At Gurnee, the current stage is 10.98 feet, and is approaching major
flood stage of 11 feet. A crest of 12 feet is forecast to occur tomorrow night.
At Lincolnshire, the current stage is 16.48 feet, and is SLOWLY DROPPING. A crest of 17.3 feet is forecast to occur around mid-day on
Saturday. However, based on a correlation with the 2013 flood event, the Des
Plaines River around Lincolnshire MAY have crested. Levels in Libertyville and
Lincolnshire were reported to be holding or decreasing. The discrepancy between
the forecast, observations, and historic data are being discussed with the
National Weather Service.
*We are currently working on Des Plaines River Inundation Maps, and will make them available as soon as possible.
North Libertyville Estates
The levee is stable and at this time evacuation is not anticipated.
EOC
Management Coordination Teams have been formed to reach out to all communities
to specifically obtain status updates and coordinate with local Emergency
Management Partners. It is imperative that local communities provide contact
information for a representative that can report on the current level of damage
to structures, critical infrastructure and roadways; and any closures of
schools or businesses.
In
turn, Lake County can obtain information from communities regarding the
need for supplies and equipment that the County can provide. This includes:
*Lake County Emergency Management can be reached at 847-377-7100*
The Red Cross opened three reception centers to assist residents displaced by flooding yesterday. The following locations will be open today, and Red Cross will assess the need for reception centers on a day-by-day basis.
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Magee Middle School
500 N. Cedar Lake Road
Round Lake
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Foss Park Golf Course
3124 Argonne Dr.
North Chicago
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The Chapel
25270 IL Route 60
Grayslake
While many roadways have been able to open back up for travel,
there are still road closures throughout the county. For updated road
conditions, please visit Lake County PASSAGE at www.lakecountypassage.com or listen to 1620 AM. It is
dangerous to drive through water. Motorists should remember to “Turn Around,
Don’t Drown”.
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