State Of Emergency Declared Over Lake County Flooding

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The rain may have let up, but the cleanup work has not, and Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor signed a proclamation late Wednesday declaring that severe flooding has created a disaster. The proclamation was sent immediately to Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, authorities announced Thursday morning. After more than 4 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, Lawlor said many communities around the county have experienced significant flooding, which in many cases has compromised roadways and other public infrastructure.

“I want to thank our public works staff, first responders, volunteers and neighbors across Lake County who are helping us respond to what is expected to be a record flood. The past 24 hours have been very challenging for the residents of Lake County as we respond to the flood," Lawlor said, announcing the proclamation. "Once the waters recede, recovery, clean-up, and damage assessment will continue for weeks. It’s important to remember we are all in this together.”

The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel to provide financial, technical and logistical assistance to the county.

With the Des Plaines and Fox rivers expected to crest above major flood levels on Saturday, the Lake County Emergency Operations center continues to monitor river levels and upcoming weather forecasts, county officials said Thursday. In addition to rising river levels, many communities around the county have been experiencing localized flooding and storm sewers have been pushed to capacity by the over-topping rivers. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

The National Weather Service said a flood warning will remain in effect until next week along the Des Plaines River in Lincolnshire, Russel and Gurnee, where Six Flags said it would reopen Thursday. Flood warnings were also issued in Algonquin and Montgomery along the Fox River until further notice.

As water from this week's downpours drains into local rivers, levels are expected to continue to rise and could reach record levels, according to the weather service.

» Live map of closed roadways at the Lake County Passage website.

» Major Road Closures:

• Lake Cook Road has been closed east of Waukegan Road (IL-43) to Skokie Boulevard (US-41) due to flooding. Only local traffic is being allowed. The closure expected to last through Thursday evening, local officials announced.
• Skokie Highway (US-41) is closed at IL 176 in Lake Bluff due to flooding.
• IL-132 closed between Oplaine & 1st Ave due to flooding.
• IL-137 from IL 83 to Midlothian closed due to flooding.
• IL-120 between IL-83 to Atkinson Road is closed due to flooding.
• IL-83 from IL-120 to Center is closed due to flooding.
• US 41 is closed northbound from IL 60 to IL 137 due to flooding.

» Live map of ComEd outages.

Lake County residents have been asked to exercise caution around wet areas, especially with utilities and flooded basements. Authorities recommend not standing in or playing in the floodwaters, which may be unsafe or contaminated. In most municipalities, flooding debris can be placed on curbs regardless of regular trash pickup.

• Do not drive through flooded areas
• If a road covered by water seems shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to do so
• If your car stalls, do not attempt to push it out; seek higher ground.
• Do not enter flooded basements.
• Watch for open manhole covers.
• Call 800-EDISON-1 to have electric disconnected or to report damaged electric lines.
• Call North Shore Gas to report emergencies at 866-556-6005.
• Contact your insurance company to determine coverage and available service.
• Keep all photo documentation and receipts.

Major river flooding forecast on Des Plaines & Fox, latest stages & forecasts here: https://t.co/y1gMD6Df1b pic.twitter.com/peoLDydJmA
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 12, 2017

Read more:

• North Shore Flooding: Lake Forest Hospital Evacuated
• Water Rescues, Stranded Vehicles Reported Due To Flooding in Lake County