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.