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Lake County IL Flood Warnings
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 - 10:30 p.m.
Emergency Management Update
Weather forecast
The NWS forecast calls for from 2.5 to 3.5 inches of additional precipitation over the next 48 hours. Significant severe weather is also likely over much of northern Illinois, including Lake County. Strong winds of over 60 mph, hail larger than an inch in diameter, and isolated tornados are possible. Temperatures on Thursday will be very warm, but cooler air is expected to return on Friday, with highs only in the 40s and lower 30s overnight.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings for both the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers in Lake County. In addition to the forecast for widespread rainfall tonight, there is a moderate risk of significant severe weather during the day Thursday, including hail one-inch or larger, winds greater than 60mph, torrential rainfall, and isolated tornados. River and lake stages will continue to rise, with widespread moderate to major flood levels expected. Locally, heavy rain may cause flooded streets and roads, even in areas that do not typically flood. Motorists who encounter a flooded roadway should remember the safety slogan, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"
Fox River (Fox Lake, Antioch Township, Grant Township, & Cuba Township) - Flood Warning (Flooding is occurring)
The Fox River in New Munster is forecast to rise to a stage of 14.9 feet by Saturday, and increasing flows into the Chain O'Lakes will continue to push lake levels higher. Moderate to major flooding is occurring or expected along the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes, and flood levels will likely approach or surpass those experienced in August, 2007. High water conditions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Des Plaines River (Russell/Wadsworth/Gurnee/Libertyville/Lincolnshire areas) - Flood Warning (Flooding is occurring)
The Des Plaines River near the community of Russell is forecast to rise to a stage of 9.7 feet by Friday night. Homes near the river along Russell Road are impacted at a stage of 9.0 feet. Downstream near Gurnee, the river has risen rapidly because of local heavy rain today, and is forecast to rise to a major flood stage of 11.1 feet by Thursday evening. Grand Avenue is closed by inundation at a stage of 10.5 feet and US Highway 41 is closed at a stage of 11.0 feet. The Des Plaines River is forecast to rise to major flood stage at Lincolnshire by Thursday afternoon. Moderate or major flood levels are likely to persist along the Des Plaines River through the weekend.
Preparedness Information
Motorists should not drive through flooded roadways. Property owners in flood-prone areas should immediately complete protective measures such as removing personal property from low lying areas, sandbagging garages or sheds that flood, and making sure that sump pumps are functioning correctly. Sandbags are available for those at risk of flooding through local municipalities and townships. Intense rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms are expected over the next several days, and heavy rain may flood streets and roads, even in areas that do not typically flood. The most up-to-date travel and roadway information is available from the Lake County Division of Transportation PASSAGE system, on-line at http://www.lakecountypassage.com, through highway advisory radio at 1620 AM, or via the free I-Phone and Android smart-phone applications.
Reporting Damage
Residents or businesses that have suffered structural flooding should report damages to local municipal officials or to Lake County Stormwater Management.
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