Algonquin Declares State of Emergency Due to Flooding

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The Fox River and Crystal Creek flooded businesses and homes Thursday, causing Algonquin to declare a state of emergency.

Mayor John Schmitt declared an emergency, which allows Algonquin to get resources from Kane and McHenry Counties as well as the state of Illinois, said Michael Kumbera, assistant village manager.

McHenry County has also declared a state of emergency.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Warning for the Fox River at the Algonquin tail-water, affecting both Kane and McHenry Counties. By mid-day Thursday, the river is at 11.84 feet. It is expected to crest at 14.00 feet on Saturday, April 20, according to the NWS.

Neighborhood streets along the Fox River were closed due to water on the pavement and Riverview and Conley Parks are closed.

Route 62 was closed for a time during rush hour due to flooding near the Western Bypass project, but crews have been pumping water out and the road reopened, Kumbera said.

“We are monitoring the construction site making sure the pumps are working. Hopefully it will hold out for the peak” rush hour, he said.

Officials Urge Motorists to Be Safe

Algonquin police advise drivers to avoid the area surrounding downtown due to road closures and flash flooding.

“We don’t want people near the river getting sucked in and there’s water on the streets,” he said.

If you approach standing water in the roadway, do not try to drive over a flooded road, according to police. Fast moving flood waters can wash you and your car away.

Residents with questions regarding the flooding event and most current forecasts may visit the village website.

More Flood-Related Coverage: 

• UPDATE: Flooding Closes More Roads in McHenry County
• Share Your McHenry County Flood Photos on Patch
• MAP: Flooded Roads Throughout Chicago Area
• Illinois Tollway: Drive Only if Necessary Today
• Rainfall Totals in Chicago Suburbs
• Algonquin Helps Residents Prevent Flooding
• Algonquin Providing Sandbags in Wake of Flooding Warning