Fox River In Algonquin Reaches Record Level, Major Flooding Occurring

The Fox River in Algonquin has reached record levels after rising again following heavy rains Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Village officials in Algonquin reported major flooding occurring along the floodplain as of 10 a.m. on Thursday. About two hours earlier, the Fox River in Algonquin reached 12.75 feet, which is over three feet above the river's flood stage.

The rise in the river comes just as the Fox River was starting to recede following heavy rains last week. The river had been on the rise over the weekend and crested on Tuesday at 12.37 feet, according to NBC Chicago. The river's former record level in Algonquin was set during flooding in 2013 when the river reached 12.7 feet, the Northwest Herald reports.

“This just raised the river to record levels. Houses that didn’t flood last time will flood this year,” McHenry County Emergency Management Agency Director David Christensen told the Northwest Herald. “It’s also going to put more stress on the flood control measures that people already have taken.”

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, heavy storms ripped through Northern Illinois, dropping an additional 3.65 inches of rain on some areas. In Lake in the Hills, 2.75 more inches of rainfall was recorded while Cary saw 2.54 more inches of rain and Crystal Lake saw 2.23 more inches. In Algonquin, 1.43 inches of additional rain fell, according to the National Weather Service.

Village officials warned residents living along the floodplain Thursday morning that a flood with the potential to damage property is likely and sandbagging is encouraged directly. Sandbags will continue to be made available for residents, as quantities and resources allow, at various locations adjacent to the flood plain areas.

As of Thursday morning, the village did not see an immediate need to leave the area, but residents are encouraged to monitor the quickly changing conditions and to take appropriate actions, including possible relocation, according to a village news release.

"The decision to relocate due to flooding should be evaluated based upon individual circumstances," according to the news release.

If an individual decides to relocate due to flooding, they are asked to contact the Algonquin Police Department non-emergency number at 847-658-4531.

"This will assist us in properly directing our public safety resources," according to a news release.

Cornish Park, Riverfront Park, and Towne Park are closed to the public. Residents are asked to avoid these areas as a safety precaution. The public is also advised not to drive or walk in flooded areas, and to avoid crossing any posted police line closures. Additionally, several local streets near the Fox River are now closed, including:

• Beach Drive east of Rattray Drive
• North Harrison Street between Front Street and Edward Street
• La Fox River Drive north of Washington Street
• Filip Street
• Willow Street

Sandbags are currently availbale at the following locations in Algonquin:

• La Fox River Drive at Cornish Park
• Center Street at Route 31
• Filip Road at the end of the road
• Beach Drive at Rattray Drive
• Oceola Drive at Hubbard Street
• Riverfront Park
• Lowe Drive at Melvina Court
• Lowe Drive at Lehigh Street

With more rain in the forecast this afternoon and on Friday and Saturday, the village anticipates a need for volunteers for sandbagging efforts in the upcoming days. Those interested in volunteering, or getting the latest information regarding village updates on flooding, can visit www.algonquin.org/flood.

• Follow Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch Facebook page for live videos and other flooding-related news and updates

MORE ON PATCH

• More Rain Causes More Flooding Woes, Road Closures, Traffic Delays
• Flooding Forces Algonquin Founders' Days To Switch Locations
• Fox River Recedes But More Rain Expected / Readers Share Flood Photos
• Flooding Photos: Chain O' Lakes Neighborhoods Underwater, Algonquin Braces As River Rises
• Flooding Update: Rauner Visits Algonquin / More Road Closures / Aerial Footage Of Flooding