Highland Park Mayor Addresses Lake County Flood Recovery

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering was out on Tanglewood Court speaking with flooded residents Friday. She said Highland Park would continue to have to deal with floodwaters until elevated river levels recede.

City officials have a meeting scheduled for Tuesday with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency scheduled to discuss both flood recovery efforts and future stormwater management in town.

Lake County has declared a State of Emergency based on the severe flooding. The proclamation was sent to Governor Rauner, who visited the county Friday, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. It would authorize state agencies to use all available resources and personnel to cope with the situation and provide financial, logistical, technical and other forms of assistance.

City staff said Highland Park Public Works, Police and Fire departments have been working around-the-clock to respond to safety, traffic and other concerns. Tanglewood Court is located in the southwest corner of Highland Park, beside a portion of Lake Cook Road near the Northbrook Court shopping center made impassable by flooding. Lake Cook Road east of Waukegan Road reopened Friday afternoon.

Find helpful flood information on the Lake County Emergency Management Agency website.

Health Risks Related to Floodwater Contact
The Lake County Health Department has provided important health and safety information to protect individuals in the event of a flood. Read their comprehensive tips about how to stay safe when and after flooding has occurred.

How Do I Dispose of Items Damaged by the Flood?
The City is providing for free curbside service through Lakeshore Recycling Systems. If you have items that need to be removed due to flood damage, please call Lakeshore Recycling at 773.685.8811 to schedule a free pickup on one of the following days, July 19, July 26, or August 2. Items should be placed curbside for collection. If you require a dumpster, please call LRS for pricing. No yard waste, electronics or white goods, such as washing machines and refrigerators, are included with the free pickup. If you have already scheduled a pickup, the free collection will be honored.

Why Did We Flood?

Lake County communities experienced more than 4 inches of rain in a short duration, with larger rainfall totals upstream along the Skokie River. The flooding resulted from the amount of rainfall that fell on the Skokie River watershed. As the Skokie River rises it reduces the water carrying capacity of the entire storm sewer system and causes the streets to flood. It is simply too much rain in too short a time. Now that the river is elevated, additional rain will have an intensified effect.

Major Street Closures Update
Tanglewood Court
For updated road conditions, please visit Lake County PASSAGE at www.lakecountypassage.com.

Sandbags Available
Sandbags are now available at the Highland Park Recycling Center, 1180 Half Day Road, on a first come, first served basis in the parking lot immediately north of the gate. Sandbags can be picked up anytime.

Flood Cleanup Tool Kits
The City has received a limited number of flood cleanup tool kits from Lake County. Residents interested in obtaining a kit can call the City's Public Works Department during office hours at 847.432.0807.

ComEd Outages Update
Power has been fully restored to Highland Park. Report outages to ComEd at 800.334.7661.

Gas Service on Taylor Avenue
North Shore Gas has installed 600 ft. of gas line today off Taylor Avenue. North Shore Gas will test and then turn on gas service tomorrow. A blue notification card will be left with all homeowners who are not home so they can call and have a North Shore Gas representative return to turn on the gas.

» via the City of Highland Park

Top photo: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering | City of Highland Park