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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 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.
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."
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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