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Current Conditions
Significant
flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain O’Lakes, Fox River and Des
Plaines River. Even though the weather forecast looks promising over the next
couple of days, we are still monitoring flooding of several rivers, streams and
lakes.
Fox River/Chain O'Lakes
The Fox River gauge at New Munster, WI has crested at 17.5 feet and is going down. This is about three feet higher than the 2013 crest level.
Those who live
along or near the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes should continue to prepare for
high water over the next several days. Fox Lake at Lake Villa is currently predicted
to crest sometime between July 17-19. There is high concern for road and structural
flooding. Sandbagging efforts will continue.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has created inundation maps for the Chain O’Lakes, which show a prediction of additional structures that will be impacted. Find Out More
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines
River at Russell, Gurnee and Lincolnshire are at major flood stage. The river
at Russell has crested, and at Gurnee it’s expected to crest tomorrow. At
Lincolnshire, the first crest was at 16.5 feet and has been
falling since. However, the current forecast indicates water levels to increase
again today and have a second crest of 17 feet Saturday afternoon before decreasing.
Let us know if you've been impacted by the recent flooding by filling out this form. A full and complete understanding of the impacts of this disaster is a necessary part of the flood response process. We need your help to properly quantify damages in Lake County. Please note that federal assistance is not available at this time, and it is unknown if it will be made available.
Contact information if you need additional assistance for reporting damage:
- If you live in a municipality, contact your village. Contact information is available here.
- If you live in unincorporated Lake County, contact the Lake County Planning Building and Development Department at 847-377-2600.
Some roads
across the county remain closed. The public can get up-to-date traffic information
at www.lakecountypassage.com, or AM 1620.
Owners of flood-damaged properties who are seeking
financial assistance from Lake County banks and lending institutions will need
to show proof of ownership in order to secure loans. The Lake County Recorder's
Office will be working closely with government officials and impacted property
owners to provide any necessary recorded documents at no cost to flood victims.
To obtain a free certified copy of the deed, contact the Recorder of Deeds
Office at 847-377-2575. Lake County military veterans in flood-damage areas may
also qualify for additional programs. Veterans may contact the Recorder of
Deeds Office to obtain a free certified copy of their Military Discharge
Papers, commonly known as DD214s, for proof of military service.
Flooded Roads/Areas
Do not attempt
to enter or cross flooded streams or rivers. Do not drive through standing
water on roads.
Electrical Safety
Before
re-entering a flooded home or basement, make sure that no electrical or other
safety hazards, such as leaking gas, exist.
Food Safety
Do not eat food
that has been exposed to floodwaters. Thoroughly wash off sealed cans in good
condition. Immerse the cans in a bleach disinfecting solution made by mixing
two teaspoons of household bleach per gallon of water for at least five
minutes. All spoiled foods and leaky or bulged cans should be discarded.
Flooded Wells
If you have a
private well, check its condition. If the well casing is submerged, surface
water may have entered the well and contaminated the drinking water. In these
cases, you should not drink the water until the flood waters have receded and
the water from the well is tested and shown to meet drinking water standards.
Contact Environmental Health Services at (847) 377-8020 for well testing
information.
Cleaning
Tips
- Scrub basement and other areas that have been flooded with a
household detergent solution. Use a solution of one-quarter cup of household
bleach in a gallon of water, then flush the washed areas with safe water.
- Scrub furniture, walls, fixtures and appliances with soap and safe
water. Machine wash affected clothing, bedding, and cloth toys.
- Sanitize non-porous children’s toys by first washing them with
soap and safe water, then soaking them for at least one minute in a solution of
one tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Do not rinse objects after
soaking; allow to air dry.
Watch for updates on Lake County's Facebook page. We will be posting information as the situation develops.
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