Numerous roads shut down, homes begin taking on water as flooding continues in Lake and McHenry counties
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Background Photo: Lake County Government; Inset: Village of Fox Lake
Numerous roads have been closed and homes have begun taking on water as flooding continues in Lake and McHenry counties, with officials warning that the Fox River will continue rising.
Lake County and McHenry County both remain under flood warnings until further notice, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS said that while moderate flooding is happening, major flooding is still forecast to occur along the Fox River from Johnsburg to St. Charles.
The river stage was 11.8 feet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to gradually rise, the highest it has been since 2020. The flood stage is 9.5 feet.
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photo: Lake County Government
Numerous roads, yards, structures and parkland were also experiencing flooding along the Fox River Chain O’Lakes, with that area seeing flooding not seen since June 2008.
The NWS said there is minor flooding along the Des Plaines River from the Illinois-Wisconsin State line downstream to Des Plaines.
The river stage was 8.9 feet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and it fell below moderate flood stage overnight while continuing to slowly fall. The flood stage is 7 feet.
In Lake County, Grand Avenue was shut down from O’Plaine Road to Route 21 in Gurnee but has since partially reopened, while Route 59 from Route 22 to Scott Road in North Barrington remains closed.
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photo: Lake County Government
Grand Avenue between North Holly Avenue and Keystone Avenue in Fox Lake is shut down due to high water. Traffic is being rerouted on North Holly Avenue and Keystone Avenue.
The Village of Fox Lake said a free self-service sandbagging station is available to Fox Lake residents at the village’s salt and gravel facility near the Public Works building.
Rawson Bridge Road is closed from Tuxedo Lane to west of Roberts Road in Port Barrington, which falls on the border of Lake and McHenry counties, due to flooding.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office told motorists not to attempt to cross or drive around barricades in that area. “Additional road closures are expected throughout the county as water levels continue to rise.”
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photo: Lake County Government
People are urged to avoid floodwaters whenever possible and to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water if they come into contact with the water.
“DO NOT drink water from a private well that has been flooded. The water may be contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants. Use bottled or disinfected water until you know your water is safe,” county officials said.
The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) said it is closely monitoring county roadways as rising water levels begin to encroach on the pavement, including onto segments of River Road in unincorporated McHenry near Moraine Hills State Park on Monday.
“Our staff has placed signage to alert drivers to current road conditions,” MCDOT Assistant Director of Transportation Scott Hennings said.
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photos: McHenry Township
“At this point, we advise that the public proceed with caution, but we are prepared to close this section of River Road if necessary. Regardless of their route, drivers should proceed slowly and only continue if they can safely navigate the conditions,” Hennings initially said.
MCDOT later announced on Tuesday that they were closing River Road from McHenry Dam Road to West Fernview Lane due to the rising waters as watersheds are expected to crest on Wednesday.
Significant rainfall in the area is not expected over the next few days but upstream runoff will continue to lead to higher water levels throughout the area.
“The MCDOT is taking this step to ensure public safety, as the water is now too deep for vehicles to safely navigate. The County will continuously monitor road conditions and reopen the route as soon as it is safe for travel,” the transportation division said regarding the River Road closure.
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photo: Village of Fox Lake
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes around the section of River Road, allow for extra travel time and follow all posted closure signs.
McHenry Township said they have shut down Circle Drive from Hilltop Drive to Christine Avenue due to water on the road.
“We know people are interested in seeing the flooded areas, but please do not drive through standing water. It only causes more damage to homes. These people are going through a very hard time we don’t need to make it any worse,” the township said.
The Fox River and Des Plaines River, along with lakes, have surpassed flood stage and caused flooding in Lake County and McHenry County following recent heavy rain. | Photo: Lake County Government
The Spring Grove Fire Protection District said members of Explorer Post 1800 spent part of their weekend assisting with filling sandbags for those experiencing flooding at their homes.
The Village of Algonquin said Public Works continues to maintain sandbag supplies at all six designated locations near the Fox River.
Residents who wish to take precautionary measures are encouraged to do so.
Residents in the Algonquin area have begun sandbagging to protect their properties from flooding caused by heavy rainfall this past week. | Provided Photos
“Some Village public properties are beginning to take on water. Residents are asked to exercise caution near the Fox River and surrounding areas. The Village will continue to monitor river levels and issue updates as conditions change,” the village said.
The Antioch Fire Department said red shift crews ran into a “bit of an unusual” call on Saturday from an elderly couple that was unable to get out of their home due to the floodwaters.
Firefighters geared up in gumby suits, commonly known as a water rescue suit, and made their way through the floodwater to rescue the couple.
Firefighters rescue a couple from their home in Antioch on Saturday after it became surrounded by water amid flooding in Lake County and McHenry County from heavy rainfall this past week. | Provided Photos
Firefighters initially were going to use a boat but ran into accessibility issues with the fences around the home.
Fire crews ultimately used a stair chair to lift the couple above the water to keep them dry.
“It’s calls like this where our training and critical thinking skills come in to have the best outcome possible,” the fire department said.
