Warmer Temps Could Melt Snow, Bring Localized Flooding

Village officials are urging Lemont residents to prepare for possible flooding next week as warmer temperatures threaten to melt the remainder of the snow from the blizzard earlier this month.

Village officials were notified by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Mangement (DHSEM) that localized flooding would be possible by Wednesday, Feb. 16. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to climb into the 40s during the daytime next week, while freezing temperatures are possible overnight.

To prepare for next week's warmup, village officials are asking residents to help clear storm drains, which are covered with large snow mounds from plowed roadways.

For more information, contact Lemont Public Works at 630-257-2532.

Here are more tips to prepare for possible flooding, courtesy of :

• Ensure your sump pump is working properly. If you have a backup sump pump available, make sure it is located near your sump pump pit in case a pump failure necessitates a quick switchout. Now is also a good time to test backup sump pump batteries.
• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit.
• Check that the sump pump discharge pipe outside of your home is not frozen, clogged or blocked by a mound of snow.
• Ensure the sump pump discharge is clear and free from ice and other blockage.
• Keep interior drains clear of debris.
• Clear exterior street drains of snow, ice and debris. Check storm sewer grates to make sure they are free of ice and snow. Please do not remove the storm grate cover. If you see a storm sewer grate cover that has been removed, please contact the Department of Public Works at (630) 420-6095 immediately.
• Move snow on the ground away from your house.
• Check to make sure your gutters are free of snow and any other objects. Remove any snow and debris.
• If you have downspout extension pipes, make sure they face away from the house.
• Repair leaking or cracked basement walls and cracks in basement floors. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your basement if you are susceptible to flooding.