Kayaking Through Town: Grayslake Floods, Village Works To Clean Up

GRAYSLAKE, IL - The village of Grayslake is dealing with unprecedented flooding, with several streets underwater and standing water reported in homes and businesses. Public works crews were out assessing damage Wednesday, and making any fixes they could to alleviate flooding. Mayor Rhett Taylor said just over four inches of rain fell in Grayslake during a three-hour period early Wednesday.

Many east-to-west roadways were impassable and flooding was reported along Route 83 and 45 and several other roads in town, Taylor said. Officials urged residents to avoid driving through town due to the many closed roads that left traffic at a standstill. Buildings in downtown Grayslake have also reported flooding, Taylor said.

"The village has not seen a flood of this magnitude for as long as we can remember," Taylor said.

As of late Wednesday morning, Taylor had not heard of any homes or buildings that were uninhabitable.

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Some residents in Grayslake decided to make the most out of a bad situation, breaking out their kayaks and paddle boats to take a rare ride down through their flooded streets. Residents out in boats could be seen along roads in the flooded College Trail subdivision,Wednesday.

Meanwhile, clean up efforts are underway and village officials are urging residents not to walk through standing water, to watch for open manhole covers and not to enter flooded basements.

Public Works crews were out around town Wednesday, clearing drains and ditches and barricading streets as needed. They also worked to assess the most severely impacted areas and visiting homes to be available to answer resident questions.

Residents with basement storm damaged items should move items to the curb. The village is arranging for a special pickup of flood-damaged articles and a special pickup schedule to be determined. Please check the Village website, www.villageofgrayslake.com, for updates on the pickup.

Taylor said special funds have been authorized so village officials can cover the unanticipated flood costs. Residents can check the village of Grayslake website and Facebook page for updates.

Closures

• The Grayslake Aquatic Center is closed Wednesday due to an extreme rain storm and flooding at the facility. Swim lessons, cookout event, and all other programming are canceled. Further updates on the pool reopening will be posted at www.swimgrayslake.com.
• The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum has also closed Wednesday due to "weather-related issues."

Photo caption: College Trail subdivision in Grayslake/Photo via Grayslake Fire Protection District Facebook page