Flooded Roads, Downed Power Lines Reported As Storms Sweep McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Strong thunderstorms swept through McHenry County on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, localized flooding and scattered reports of downed power lines, prompting numerous emergency responses across the region.

Firefighters and emergency personnel responded to weather-related calls throughput the county, officials said. The most significant impacts were flooded roadways and hazardous driving conditions.

In Woodstock, emergency crews responded to multiple reports of flooded streets and stranded vehicles as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems in some locations, said Alex Vucha, public information officer for the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.

In Marengo, floodwaters forced the closure of Route 23 between West Coral Road and Grange Road. Barricades were requested to prevent motorists from driving through the flooded area, according to Vucha.

Emergency crews across the county also responded to reports of downed power lines and fallen tree limbs caused by strong winds associated with the storms. Despite the widespread impacts, fire officials said no major damage or serious storm-related injuries were reported within the affected districts.

Officials are reminding residents to use caution during severe weather events, avoid driving through flooded roadways, never bypass barricades and stay away from downed power lines.