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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.
Roads
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”.
Gages Lake Road Closure:
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) closed Gages
Lake Road, from IL 21 to Hunt Club Road, to through traffic due to floodwaters washing out a large culvert and
collapsing the road just east of Leonard Drive. LCDOT maintenance
crews were able to identify that the culvert was in distress and closed the
road prior to the pavement collapsing.
The road will remain closed to through traffic until the culvert
is replaced and the pavement repairs are complete. LCDOT will work as quickly
as possible to get the road back open. An estimate of the length of time needed
for the closure will be available when repair options have been more fully
evaluated.
Local traffic will have access from Hunt Club to Leonard Drive and
Muirfield Drive and from IL 21 to Colby Road.
Detour Route: Hunt Club Road to Illinois Route 120 to
Illinois Route 21
News Release and Detour Map
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
Check Local
Road Conditions and Traffic with Lake County PASSAGE
View a map of road conditions and events,
including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents, and see camera
images of major intersections at www.lakecountypassage.com. iPhone and Android users
can also download PASSAGE apps. PASSAGE: 847-377-7000 |
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