Lake County Flood Update

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July 13, 2017

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Lake County Flood Update

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 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.

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


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."


Emergency Resources

Alert Lake County 
Alert Lake County is your emergency preparedness resource. Find out how you and your family can be prepared for emergencies, and watch this video for tips to get emergency alerts.

Follow Lake County Government on social media: 

Alert Lake County

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.comiPhone and Android users can also download PASSAGE apps. PASSAGE: 847-377-7000

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National Weather Service

National Weather Service
National Weather Service Warnings, Watches and Advisories (Chicago area).


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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at pfrank@lakecountyil.gov or visit my Facebook page

I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list here” button at the top of the newsletter.

Thank you,
Paul Frank 

Mr. Frank, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:

Lake County Board, 11th District:
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee
Lake County Health and Community Services Committee
Lake County Ad Hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Lake County Forest Preserves, 11th District: 
Planning Committee
Ethics Committee

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