Heavy Rainfall Intensifies Flood Warnings for Des Plaines River, Fox River, and Chain O’Lakes in Lake County

In Lake County, Illinois, recent rainfall on Friday night has heightened concerns about potential flooding. Local officials announced on Saturday that the Des Plaines River, Fox River, and Chain O’Lakes are especially vulnerable to rising water levels.

Observations from Chopper 7 on Friday revealed flooding near the Fox River in the unincorporated area of Antioch, with additional water accumulation reported in Lincolnshire. Officials anticipate that the Des Plaines River will reach its peak over the weekend.

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In Lincolnshire, a northern suburb, the community is still on alert despite the cessation of rain, as there is a lingering threat that the river levels may continue to climb.

Residents of Oxford Drive in Lincolnshire expressed relief on Saturday as their area narrowly avoided flood damage. The neighborhood remained dry, much to the residents’ comfort.

“The last time we experienced flooding was in 2017,” recounted local resident Ludwig Smith. “Back then, the roads were completely submerged, and the river rose to a height of 16 feet.”

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Many eyes are still on the Des Plaines River in the north suburb after a large stretch of Lincolnshire Drive and Londonderry Lane was under flood water, made worse because of ongoing construction.

Pumps to remove rain runoff will remain in place throughout the weekend in areas along the Des Plaines River that are prone to flood.

Meanwhile, local and county officials say they are monitoring river levels, which are close to cresting and could cause major flooding.

“Yeah, things aren’t great right now, they are gonna get a little worse the waters are gonna get a little higher,” said Brian Frank, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission chief engineer “Thankfully there’s usually some lead time with rivering flooding. The rivering flooding is typically in Lake County days, so be prepared.”

The village’s public works department is providing sandbags to anyone who wants them.

The Des Plaines River is expected to crest in this area at about 15 feet either sometime over the weekend or even Monday.

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