National Weather Service Issues Fox River Flood Warning for McHenry, Kane Counties

ALGONQUIN, IL - The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Fox River in Kane and McHenry Counties.

As of 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the tributary had reached 12.57 feet, or major flood stage. While the levels were dropping slowly, village officials are encouraging residents to leave sandbags or other preventative measures in place until the water has substantially receded.

Tuesday's National Weather Service predictions said that levels would remain in the major to moderate flood range for at least the next week. Notifications about the process for Algonquin's sand bag recovery effort will be distributed in the coming days, officials said. That process will likely begin next week.

"We thank everyone for their amazing effort in assisting the people of Algonquin during this challenging event," officials said in a community update.

Floodwater Safety

As the water levels begin to drop, officials reminded residents Tuesday that floodwater can contain dangerous contaminants and move at a very swift rate. They asked that locals stay away from, and out of floodwater, creeks, detention areas and the Fox River.

Supplies Available

Flood cleanup kits from the American Red Cross are available for flood victims at the Public Works Facility.

Street Closures to Avoid

• Beach Drive (east of Rattray Drive)
• Center Street
• Filip Street
• Fox River Drive
• Harrison Street (Front Street to Edward Street)
• Jayne Street
• La Fox River Drive (from Madison Street to Cornish Park)
• Washington Street (east of Harrison Street)
• Willow Street

Park Closures

• Cornish Park
• Towne Park
• Riverfront Park

Donations

Residents and businesses wanting to contribute to relief, cleanup and recovery efforts, can donate to area agencies such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Team Rubicon, United Way and Samaritan’s Purse. The Village of Algonquin is not directly accepting donations at this time.

Donors are advised to be cautious when making contributions. They should verify that the recipient organization is legitimate, and be wary of door-to-door solicitations or those made via social media or email.