Flooding 'Could Last For Weeks' As River, Lakes Continue To Rise: NWS

Heavy rain over the past several days has led to rising rivers and flooding across parts of the Chicago area, prompting multiple flood warnings that could remain in effect through much of the week.

The National Weather Service said rivers across northeastern Illinois are on the rise due to recent rainfall, with flooding already occurring along portions of the Fox River and Des Plaines River. In some areas, water levels are expected to remain above flood stage for several days and could approach major flood levels later this week, according to weather officials.

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A flood warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday for areas along the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes in Lake and McHenry counties. River gauges indicate steadily rising water levels, and forecasters predict water will reach its peak level next week for the Chan O' Lakes and late this week for the Fox River.

Flooding could last for weeks in some locations, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials say flooding along the Chain of Lakes could reach levels similar to historic flood events in May 1973, October 1986 and June 2008.

In addition to the Chain of Lakes, flooding is also occurring along portions of the Des Plaines River and the Fox River farther downstream in Kane and Kendall counties.

Areas experiencing or likely to see flooding include Nippersink Lake, Fox Lake, Pistakee Lake, Petite Lake, Lake Marie, Channel Lake and Lake Catherine, where numerous roads, yards, structures and parkland near the shoreline could be impacted, according to weather officials. Water levels at Fox Lake have already reached moderate flood stage, and forecasters say levels could approach major flood stage by midweek as water continues moving through the lake system.

Moderate flooding is occurring along the Fox River from Johnsburg south through Algonquin, East Dundee, Carpentersville, Elgin and St. Charles, with some low-lying streets, parks and riverside areas threatened, according to a Sunday night update from the National Weather Service. Farther downstream, the river near Montgomery is also near flood stage.

Meanwhile, minor flooding is occurring along the Des Plaines River near Russell, Gurnee, Lincolnshire, Des Plaines, Prospect Heights and parts of Chicago, where water levels are expected to remain above flood stage for much of the week.

Authorities are urging residents living near rivers and streams to monitor water levels closely and prepare for potential impacts. Drivers are also reminded to avoid flooded roads.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” officials said, noting most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.

Residents living near riverbanks are encouraged to move valuables to higher ground and take precautions to protect property as water levels continue to rise.

Forecasters say little additional rainfall is expected over the next 24 to 48 hours, but rivers will continue to rise as water moves downstream through the region’s waterways.