The current weather situation includes a large area of very moist air over northern Illinois, and additional warm humid air feeding into the area. Storms are expected to develop to our west later today, and then move east. The convective nature of thunderstorms often produces very intense rainfall over a relatively localized area, and within a given storm there is often a wide variation in measured rainfall amounts from point to point. Because of the high moisture content of the atmosphere, storms that develop later today will be capable of producing rainfall rates of one to three inches of rain per hour, which could easily lead to localized flash flooding.

The Stormwater Management Commission encourages community officials and homeowners to make sure that storm drain grates, drainage ditches, culverts, and swales are not blocked by debris from the recent windstorms. Branches, limbs, leaves, and wood chips can wash downstream and lodge against bridges or culverts, causing water to back up very quickly in areas where flooding may not typically occur.

If you're experiencing flooding, please report the situation to the Stormwater Management Commission at 847-377-7700. Residents or businesses that need assistance should first contact their local municipality or township. Partner organizations that need assistance should contact the Lake County Emergency Management Agency at 847-377-7100 during business hours, or after-hours through the Lake County Sheriff's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center at 847-549-5200.

Ann

 

Ann B. Maine

Lake County District 21

amaine@lakecountyil.gov