Over the weekend, State Senator Dan McConchie toured the flooded region with Governor Bruce Rauner as they surveyed the situation in Algonquin and helped fill sandbags.
Gov. Bruce Rauner declared McHenry, Kane and Lake Counties disaster areas on Friday, and added Cook County to the list on Sunday. Rauner’s declaration frees up state resources and activates the state Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.
Current Conditions
Record flooding continues in Lake County from the Chain O’Lakes, Fox River and Des Plaines River.
Fox River/Chain O’Lakes
The Fox River gauge at New Munster, WI crested at 17.47 feet and is going down. It is now at 14.67 feet, but is still at major flood stage.
The Fox Lake at Lake Villa gauge is at 8.02 feet, and is cresting. In comparison, the crest in 2013 was 7.9 feet. Floodwaters will take SEVERAL WEEKS to subside fully.
The lower Fox River is still expected to go up, and has not crested.
Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines River at Russell, Gurnee, and Lincolnshire remain at major flood stage. At these three gauges, the Des Plaines River has crested and is going down.
Helpful Information/Links
- Flood Conditions and Updates
- Flood Safety Tips
- Report Flood Damage (McHenry County)
- Report your Flood Damage (Lake County)
- Road Conditions
- Reception Centers: the Red Cross has two reception centers open to assist residents displaced by flooding. The following locations will be open tonight (7/17), and Red Cross will assess the need for reception centers on a day-by-day basis.
Magee Middle School
500 N. Cedar Lake Road
Round Lake
Jefferson Middle School
600 South Lewis Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60085.