Flood alert along Fox and Des Plaines rivers in Lake County

By Admin on March 12, 2010

A flood alert has been issued for Lake County along the Fox and Des Plaines rivers.
 
The past several days of warmer weather and significant snow melt, along with rain that’s expected over the weekend, prompted the alert from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Emergency Management Agency.
The National Weather Service has also issued flood warnings for Lake
County for the Des Plaines River at Russell, near the Wisconsin line,
and for the Fox River north of the Chain O’Lakes, based on the river
gauge upstream at New Munster, Wis.

The combination of melting snow and rain has already brought many streams and rivers up to near flood stage.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the rainy spring season. That
includes making sure sump pumps are operating correctly and their
discharge lines are not obstructed.

Drainage ditches and swales should be cleared of obstructions like
fallen branches or trash, and residents should review their own
preparedness plans for severe weather, including how they would receive
alerts or warning information.

Anyone needing assistance can call the Lake County Emergency Management
Agency at 847-377-7100. People are asked to report flooding to the
Stormwater Management Commission at 847-918-5260.

– Ruth Fuller

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