Flooding Update                             May 13, 2010 
Seal
Lake County News
From
Craig Taylor
 

Craig Taylor, Representative District 19

 
CraigTaylor
Please feel free to forward this newsletter. It's a great way to keep everyone up to date on County news and local events. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please call or email me.
 
My contact information if you need to reach me by phone is:
Home phone 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027
 
or email:
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you!
 
Please stay safe!
Thanks!
Craig
 
Lake County Board Member & Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner
District 19 Representative
Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove
 

Flood Update

 

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 2:30 p.m.

 

Emergency Management and Stormwater Management Partners:

 

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is operating at Yellow Flood Alert, indicating that some flooding is expected or occurring. Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and partners are working to compile a complete summary of the impacts from storms and intense rain that affected Lake County earlier today.

 

Situation: Heavy rainfall embedded in thunderstorms early this morning dropped from 2 - 3.5 inches of rain across Lake County. The intense rain falling on ground that was saturated from rainfall earlier in the week led to widespread flash flood conditions throughout the county, with the most significant impacts in the southern portion of the county. Some additional rain is expected today, with a chance for severe storms later this afternoon into this evening. Beyond today, the next significant chance for precipitation appears to be on Sunday, though forecast models are not in agreement about the timing, track, or potential impacts of any future storm system.

 

Transportation Impacts: Many streets and some major roads across Lake County were closed this morning, causing significant challenges for commuters. Some roads remain closed, though water levels are receding on the smaller tributaries and ditches that flooded streets and roads. Officials are working to reopen streets and roads as it is safe to do so. The best source for overall information about the status of major transportation routes within Lake County is the Lake County Division of Transportation's Passage website, at http://www.LakeCountyPassage.com.

 

Structural Flooding: Several reports of basement and lower-level flooding have been received, though the number of flooded structures has not yet been compiled. Some residents have been displaced from their homes because of the flash flooding. Lake County EMA is working with affected jurisdictions to compile a summary of impacts because of the storm, including information about flooded structures.

 

Rivers and Lakes: Current forecasts indicate flood stage levels either have been or will likely soon be reached at gauging sites on the Des Plaines River in Russell, Gurnee, and Lincolnshire, and on the Fox River north of Lake County in New Munster, Wisconsin. Current river forecasts do not suggest widespread significant river flooding is likely, and anticipated water levels will not impact a substantial number of structures, but homes in flood-prone areas along the Fox River downstream from the Chain O'Lakes and along the Des Plaines River in south-central Lake County may experience some minor flooding. Because of the rapid rise on the Fox River, the Fox Waterway Agency this morning declared a "No Wake Zone" for the entire Fox River (not including the Chain O'Lakes). Some rise in the level of the Chain O'Lakes is expected over the next several days due to inflows from local tributaries and the mainstem Fox River.

 

Actions: Lake County SMC and EMA will continue to monitor the evolving weather and river forecasts. Lake County EMA is compiling an ongoing summary of storm-related impacts. Several municipalities are engaged in pumping operations to reduce water levels and re-open streets that are closed. Sandbags have been provided upon request to Municipalities and Township Highway Departments through Lake County Public Works, and additional resource and equipment requests are being addressed as they are received. Several municipalities opened their Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate their local response, and in Lake Zurich Village President Branding proclaimed a state of local emergency because of flood impacts.

 

Additional Information Sources: Specific information regarding weather and river level forecasts is available from these websites:

 

River levels and forecasts (click on map points for specific locations): http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lot 

 

Weather forecast for northeastern Illinois (click on map for specific point-forecast):

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/ 
 

Fox River & Chain O'Lakes status (Fox Waterway Agency):

http://www.foxwaterway.org/
 
 

Future Updates:

Unless the current situation or forecasts change substantially, we do not expect to provide further updates about this storm event.

Fox River Status Report

 
Fox River Status Report

May 13, 2010

 

Current Conditions

Inflows at 8am this morning were 2400 cfs and rising rapidly.  Chain of Lakes is rising with a current stage of 4.46 feet.  Outflows from Stratton Dam were 2170 cfs.  Rainfall was heaviest in the Illinois portion of the Fox River watershed with 2.4" at McHenry and 3" in Barrington and Elgin.  Rainfall in the Wisconsin portion of the watershed was 0.5" at New Munster and 1.2" in Waukesha.  Flows at Algonquin Dam are 3400 cfs. 

 

Forecast

National Weather Service is predicting between �" and �" of additional rainfall today.  The NWS river forecast for the Fox River near New Munster, Wisconsin suggests that it will crest at a flow of 2800 cfs on May 15.  The Office of Water Resources is expecting total inflows to the Chain of Lakes to crest between 4500 cfs and 5000 cfs. With these projected inflows and while managing the operations plan to minimize damages, the Chain of Lakes will crest near 5.2 on May 16.  The Fox River will continue to rise as the inflows and Chain rise.

 

Operation Scenario

The sluice gates at Stratton Dam are open to 2.5' and the hinged crest gate is at the spillway elevation.  The hinged crest gate at Algonquin Dam was opened to 1' below the spillway and will be opened further to 3' below the spillway crest.  As the heaviest rainfall fell at Stratton Dam and downstream, there will be a small delay in opening the sluice gates to pass 3000cfs in order to give the local tributaries time to peak.  Currently there is a significant increase in flows between Stratton Dam and Algonquin Dam due to the distribution of the heavy rainfall in the McHenry to Elgin area.  The sluice gates will be opened tonight or tomorrow to release 3000cfs but outflow will rise higher as flow goes over the spillway.  Please remember current inflows are less than 3000 cfs.  Residences along the Fox River and Chain of Lakes will experience flooding in their yards and crawl spaces.  There are homes in Cary and Fox Lake that will likely have water on their living space.
 

PRINT PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD

 
County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program.  The free card that is accepted at most pharmacies offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.  This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan.  The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets. To print a card, click here
 
 
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