Officials Issue Highest Flood Alert as Lake and McHenry County Residents Face Road Closures, Flooded Homes

Officials have elevated the flood alert to its highest level as residents continue to face road closures and flooded homes across Lake and McHenry counties, while the Fox River neared crest levels on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that communities along the Fox River are experiencing major flooding, while areas near the Des Plaines River remain under moderate flooding conditions.

The Fox River was nearing its crest Wednesday, while levels along the Des Plaines River were gradually receding.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) announced that the county’s Flood Threat Alert status has been raised to “Red.”

“This is SMC’s highest stage and signals that Major Flooding is occurring in Lake County. It is mostly contained to the Upper Fox River and Chain O’Lakes area as well as the Lower Fox River in the Barrington area, but is substantial in multiple areas,” the commission said.

SMC crews remain in the field assessing flood impacts and gathering updated conditions.

According to the NWS, limited rainfall over the next several days should allow river levels to slowly decline in most areas. Officials urged residents living near waterways to closely monitor forecasts and comply with all flood warnings.

Lake and McHenry counties remain under flood warnings until further notice.

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Fox River measured 12.0 feet and is forecast to crest at 12.2 feet Thursday evening. Flood stage is 9.5 feet. Officials said the river is expected to remain near crest through Saturday before gradually falling.

Flooding has impacted numerous roads, yards, buildings, and parkland areas along the Fox River Chain O’Lakes region.

In East Dundee, structures along River Street, Johnson Street, Maiden Lane, Water Street, Edwards Avenue, and Elgin Avenue are threatened. In Algonquin, North Harrison Street near Riverside Park is at risk, while Washington Street in Carpentersville is also threatened. Low-lying portions of Festival Park and Bayview Road in Elgin are additionally affected.

The NWS also reported minor flooding along the Des Plaines River from the Illinois-Wisconsin border downstream to Des Plaines. The river stood at 8.2 feet Wednesday morning, above its 7-foot flood stage. Agricultural land and park areas have been inundated, while some residential properties remain threatened. Levels may fall below flood stage this weekend.

Several road closures remain in effect. In Lake County, Grand Avenue in Gurnee previously closed between O’Plaine Road and Route 21 but has since reopened. Route 59 remains closed from Route 22 to Scott Road in North Barrington.

Grand Avenue between North Holly Avenue and Keystone Avenue in Fox Lake is closed because of high water, with traffic rerouted. The Village of Fox Lake has opened a free self-service sandbagging station for residents near the Public Works facility.

Rawson Bridge Road remains closed from Tuxedo Lane to west of Roberts Road in Port Barrington, near the Lake-McHenry county line.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said ongoing flooding continues to cause road closures as water levels are expected to rise further.

“Barricades and closure signs have been placed to help keep people safe, protect nearby homes and property, and allow emergency crews to get where they need to go,” the agency said.

Officials warned motorists not to drive around barricades, calling it dangerous, illegal, and potentially damaging to nearby properties. Drivers who ignore closures may face citations.

Health officials are also urging residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible and to wash thoroughly with soap and warm water if exposure occurs.

“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 floodwaters continue to rise, including sections of River Road near Moraine Hills State Park. River Road has been closed from McHenry Dam Road to West Fernview Lane.

“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 division said.

McHenry Township also announced the closure of Circle Drive from Hilltop Drive to Christine Avenue because of standing water.

“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.

Meanwhile, local agencies and volunteers continue relief efforts. The Spring Grove Fire Protection District said members of Explorer Post 1800 spent part of the weekend filling sandbags for residents impacted by flooding.

The Village of Algonquin said Public Works crews are maintaining sandbag supplies at six designated locations near the Fox River. Residents seeking precautionary measures are encouraged to use them.

“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,” village officials said.

In Antioch, firefighters rescued an elderly couple trapped inside their home by floodwaters over the weekend. Crews used water rescue suits to reach the residence and ultimately transported the couple to safety using a stair chair after access issues prevented boat use.

“It’s calls like this where our training and critical thinking skills come in to have the best outcome possible,” the fire department said.