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FLOOD LEVELS TO INCREASE ON THE FOX, CHAIN
Current Conditions
Significant flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain O'Lakes and Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines at Lincolnshire saw major flood levels causing structural damage and evacuations in this area. Water has crested, or is cresting (which means that the water is at the highest level and will begin to recede) on the Des Plaines River and North Branch of the Chicago River in the eastern portion of Lake County. Meanwhile, water levels on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes continue to rise. Cresting on the Chain O'Lakes and Fox is expected early next week.
Minimal precipitation is forecast over the next few days.
Damage Assessments
Lake County continues to provide assistance and coordinate information to communities impacted by the recent flooding. Lake County's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is working with the municipalities and townships to capture a countywide, preliminary damage assessment to include flood and storm damage and associated costs. Lake County will then report this information to Illinois EMA. Property owners should report damage to their local municipality or to Lake County Planning, Building, and Development at 847-377-2081.
Chain O'Lakes/Fox River
River and lake stages on the Fox River are expected to rise as upstream tributaries continue to drain into the main river systems. Officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Fox River at New Munster, WI will start cresting on Saturday.
The Fox River in Antioch Township above the Chain O'Lakes will continue to rise slowly over the next few days. There is high concern for road and structural flooding. Larson and Park streets are now impassable. Sandbagging efforts will continue.
Chain O'Lakes is expected to rise approximately another half of a foot to one foot which would exceed the 2008 crested level. Water levels will remain near crest-level for about a week with an anticipated "slow fall" to normal levels.
Fox River downstream from the Chain is major concern with road impacts and possible residential flooding at and south of Rawson Bridge Road. Rawson Bridge Road is closed.
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines River at the Gurnee gauge (Route 120 and Route 137/Buckley Road), and the Lincolnshire gauge have crested.
Major flood levels are likely to persist along the Des Plaines River through the weekend.
Traffic/Road Conditions
Some roads across the county remain closed. The public can get up-to-date traffic information at www.lakecountypassage.com, or AM1620. You can also follow PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE for current road conditions.
Lake County Public Works
The North Libertyville Estates levee is stable. Water is more than two feet below the top of the levee.
Detention Basins
Detention basins throughout the county are at capacity and can be dangerous. Do not attempt to clear inlets or outlets, and stay away from the water. Call your municipality or township if you are having a flooding issue due to an overtopped basin.
Sandbag Information
Lake County has distributed about 250,00 sandbags to impacted communities and continues to provide sandbags to impacted areas. Residents in need of sandbags should contact their municipality or township directly. The public can visit www.lakecountyil.gov for contact information.
Safety Information
The recent rains in Lake County have brought about incidents of flooding and possible sewer back-ups in a number of areas. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center recommends a number of steps to minimize health hazards for residents who have experienced flooding in or around their homes.
Safety Tips
If you have questions or concerns, call Environmental Health Services of the Lake County Health Department at: 847.377-8020.
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