Flood Death Toll At 1, Freezing Temperatures Moving Into Area

With melting snow, runoff from the frozen ground and more rain in the forecast, the National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a flood warning for much of northern Illinois. Heavy rain and occasional storms were expected to continue into Tuesday evening, followed by frigid temperatures and freezing rain mixed with sleet. A winter weather advisory was in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, with hazardous travel expected for Wednesday morning's commute.

Even as rain continues to fall, some public works crews are preparing for the frigid weather expected to move into the area later tonight. When that happens, expect the already wet roads to ice over, officials say.

According to the NWS, as of early Tuesday morning, 1 to 2 inches of rain had already fallen in many areas. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible through Tuesday night, creating the potential for flooding in rivers and creeks.

Early Tuesday morning, a 52-year-old woman was pronounced dead after her vehicle was found submerged in a rain-filled ditch in Will County.

Heavy rain and flooding prompted some major roads closings due to standing water. A section of Route 30 in Joliet was among road closings on Tuesday morning and the DuPage River in Bolingbrook was past flood stage.

Plainfield police said these roads were impacted by flooding Tuesday evening:

• County Line Road still has water over roadway between Route 126 and Indian Boundry
• Shenandoah and 127th - standing water
• 127th west of Route 59 - water on pavement
• Marybrook Drive - water on pavement
• 143rd Street east of Route 126 - water flowing over roadway

Police were asking those with minor flooding near their homes to use a rake, shovel or stick to clear the drain.

In Romeoville, sections of Weber Road had been closed early Tuesday but had reopened by around 9 a.m. One lane of Route 53 between Airport Road and Lewis University was closed later in the day, with officers on scene directing traffic as of about 4 p.m. Tuesday night, New Avenue was also closed due to flooding from 135th Street to State Street in Lockport.

In Shorewood, the DuPage River was at 7.6 feet as of Tuesday evening. Flood stage is 6.5 feet.

The Fox River in Montgomery was past flood stage of 13 feet, standing at 13.71 feet as Tuesday night. In Yorkville, the Fox River had already exceeded "action stage" of 14 feet and was at 14.94 as of 8:45 p.m.

The flood warning was in effect for areas including:

• Kendall County in northeastern Illinois
• La Salle County in north central Illinois
• DuPage County in northeastern Illinois
• Cook County in northeastern Illinois
• Will County in northeastern Illinois
• De Kalb County in north central Illinois
• Grundy County in northeastern Illinois
• Kankakee County in northeastern Illinois
• Kane County in northeastern Illinois

The NWS reminds drivers not to drive through flooded roadways, as water can be deeper than it appears. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find another route — "turn around, don't drown."

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