Flood Warning In Effect For Areas Of Lake, Kane, Kendall Counties

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The National Weather Service issued a warning to communities on the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers in Lake, Kane, McHenry and Kendall Counties this week; that both river systems were above flood stage. While not an imminent danger, this flood warning means that it is possible for water both rivers to begin flooding over their banks at low points. Commuters on foot or in vehicles should be watchful for water in roadways until the flood warning expires on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m.

"The Fox River itself has been in flood stage since the morning of [March 29]," National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Birk said.

At the moment, Birk said, the Fox River is only slightly above its flood stage and is beginning to level off. But until Friday, the possibility exists for the high water levels to affect surrounding towns.

"[The river] is starting to come down now, but it is projected to be right near flood stage for the next couple of days," Birk said. "The water... is coming out of its banks and there are some possible impacts from it."

Residents of communities surrounding the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers are advised to not attempt to walk or drive through flooded roads, as they are often deeper than they might appear at first glance. Only six inches of water, if moving fast enough, is enough to topple an individual. Additionally, harmful debris may be submerged beneath the water which can injure people and damage cars.

Many river systems across northern Illinois are experiencing or are expected to experience high water levels this week, after a very wet and atypically warm winter. For more information on the current flood warning, residents of the affected counties can visit the National Weather Service's website.