Fox River Well Above Flood Stage With More Rain in Forecast

The northern Fox River remains above flood stage, with major flooding ongoing from Johnsburg downstream to St. Charles, including the Algonquin Lock & Dam area.

River levels were around 12 feet Thursday night—well above the 9.5-foot flood stage—and are expected to stay elevated into next week. Several low-lying roads, parks and structures along the river have been impacted by flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters warn that additional rain in the forecast could prolong flooding or worsen conditions in the days ahead. Rain is in the forecast Friday evening and severe thunderstorms are possible Monday.

The above information was updated at 8 a.m. Friday.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE/APRIL 23: Flooding continues across parts of northeast Illinois as rivers remain at or near crest levels following heavy rainfall, prompting ongoing warnings for Lake and McHenry counties.

Major flooding is ongoing along the Fox River Chain of Lakes, where water levels have held steady in flood stage and are expected to begin a slow decline starting Friday, though impacts could linger into next week. Roads, homes, yards and park areas remain affected in communities around Nippersink Lake, Fox Lake and Pistakee Lake.

The Fox River is expected to crest Thursday afternoon through Friday, with major flooding reported from Johnsburg downstream to St. Charles, including areas near Algonquin, Carpentersville and Elgin, where structures and low-lying roads could become inundated with floodwaters, according to the National Weather Service.

Flood warnings also remain in place along portions of the Des Plaines River, including near Lincolnshire, Gurnee and Des Plaines, where minor flooding is occurring. The river is expected to fall below flood stage on Saturday.

Officials urge drivers to avoid flooded roads, emphasizing that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.

The following roads and/or parks are closed due to flooding:

• Cornish Park, Algonquin
• Picnic Grove Park, Fox River Grove
• • River Road from McHenry Dam Road to West Fernview Lane is now closed due to flooding, according to the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.
  • Rawson Bridge Road from the Broken Oar to Tuxedo Lane in Cary has been closed until further notice due to flooding, according to a post on the McHenry County Facebook page. The roadway is also closed west of Roberts Road in Lake County due to water on the pavement, according to Lake County PASSAGE.
  • Route 59 from Route 22 to Scott Rd in North Barrington is closed due to water on pavement, according to Lake County PASSAGE.
  • Grand Avenue east of Rollins Road in Fox Lake has been closed due to water on pavement, according to Lake County officials.
  • Several roadways around the Chain O' Lakes have been closed including, South River Road, South Holiday Drive, Channel Lane, West Fernview Lane, West Riverside Drive and more. The full map, which is being updated by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office, can be found here.

Do you have photos from flooding?

Send them to us at amie.schaenzer@patch.com — or via text to 847-790-6417 — as we continue covering conditions across the far northern suburbs.