(GURNEE) Limited flooding is expected to continue Saturday along the Des Plaines and Gurnee rivers, which remain in flood warning stage after being pounded by rainfall earlier this week.
Although morning rain and thunderstorms will likely diminish Saturday and move southeast of the Chicago area, new thunderstorms are expected to move in south of Interstate 80, with some of the storms likely to produce large hail and damaging winds, the weather service said.
“Widespread heavy rain is not anticipated today, but flooding is already occurring in some areas due to recent heavy rainfall,” the weather service said.
The Des Plaines River at Des Plaines was at 18.37 feet at 12:45 p.m. Saturday. The river crested at 19.83 feet last Sunday, and was expected to rise to about 18.6 feet by 7 p.m. Saturday. Flood stage is 15 feet.
At Gurnee, the Des Plaines was at 9.34 feet as of 12:30 p.m. Saturday. It crested at 12.09 feet Monday, and was expected to rise to 9.4 feet by 1 p.m. Saturday. Flood stage is 7 feet.
The Fox River was at 14.09 feet as of 12:15 p.m. Saturday, after cresting at 12.82 feet early Thursday. It is expected to reach 14.2 feet by 7 p.m. Saturday. Flood stage is 9.5 feet.
For those impacted by flooding seeking resources or services, the Multi-Agency Resource Center opened Friday at 965 E. Rollins Rd. in Round Lake Beach. It was scheduled to be open until 6 p.m. Friday, but “for safety reasons” was closing early due to the threat of severe weather. It is scheduled to reopen from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
Residents affected by the flooding can meet regional and statewide disaster organizations, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Illinois Department of Insurance and other groups for assistance and information. Information on clean-up assistance will be provided, and the health department will have free water testing kits for those with wells.
The Salvation Army has also set up a toll-free Donation Hotline at (888) 369-1349 for those who wish to donate items.
Four counties have been added to a state disaster proclamation, including Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry.
A limited tornado risk that could bring winds up to 60 mph is also in effect Saturday, as well as an excessive heat risk, the weather service said. In addition, an elevated severe thunderstorm risk will be in effect from Sunday through Friday, with flooding likely to continue along affected rivers.
