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On Wednesday, July 12, 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.
The Fox and Des Plaines Rivers are at or near
record highs. The river levels are expected to continue rising over the weekend
as additional water makes its way downstream from precipitation in Wisconsin,
and as water from flooded roads and yards makes its way back to the rivers.
Lake County officials are continuing to work together to assist local
communities in response to flooding.
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, water levels on the Fox River in New Munster,
WI are projected to reach 17.4 feet. This is over two feet higher than the
previous record.
The current estimate forecast shows the following peak river/lake
stages between July 16-17. Flooding of this magnitude has not been seen before.
- The Fox Lake gauge may
crest (which means that the water is at the highest level and will begin
to recede) over 8.2 feet. The current stage is 6.01 feet.
- The Stratton HW gauge
will crest over 6 feet. The current stage is 4.21 feet.
- The Stratton TW gauge
may crest over 8.5 feet. The current stage is 5.15 feet.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has created
inundation maps for the Chain O’Lakes, which will show a prediction of
additional structures that will be impacted. Find
Out More
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 still forecast to occur around mid-day
on Saturday.
Reception Centers
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.
Magee Middle School
500 N. Cedar Lake Road
Round Lake
Foss Park Golf Course
3124 Argonne Dr.
North Chicago
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”.
The Lake County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating
response and resources with the local communities and partner organizations. If
residents need assistance, please contact your local municipality or township.
Watch for updates on Lake County's Facebook page.
We will be posting information as the situation develops.
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