Caution Urged as Rivers Rise: Theater Evacuated, Schools Closed

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The brimming Des Plaines River and heavy rainfall in recent days has led to flooded roadways, school closures and the evacuation of at least one local business. The Marriott Theatre, at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, evacuated its premises and cancelled its Friday and Saturday shows of Something Rotten due to the flooding as the river tipped over flood stage over the past day and is expected to continue to rise over the weekend.

Mayor Elizabeth Brandtstood behind Marriott officials decision to evacuate on Friday, according to the Daily Herald.

"You'd rather have people out of the hotel before Saturday," Brandt told the newspaper "If there's good news out of the situation, it's that we have time to prepare and it's not a dire emergency. They can take their time, get organized, and prepare for when it gets to the 16-foot level this weekend."

On Friday, road closures were reported throughout the area, with drivers running into standing water along Route 41 and several other major roadways. In Libertyville, District 70 closed all five of its schools after dealing with flooding at Highland Middle School and a power outage at Butterfield as well as issues surrounding standing water on area roadways that would delay buses.

“The decision to close school today was not made lightly and was done to ensure the safety of our students, families, and staff," District 70 Superintendent Matt Barbini said.

Meanwhile, officials urged residents living along the Des Plaines River to be on guard and closely monitor weather reports and river updates as the river will continue to rise over the weekend. Lake County officials released the following statement Friday:

Due to heavy rain in southeast Wisconsin this week, water levels are expected to rise on the Des Plaines River, Fox River, and Chain O'Lakes this weekend as the water makes its way downstream, and as water from flooded roads and yards makes its way back to the rivers. Local officials are continuing to work together to assist our communities in response to flooding.
The Des Plaines River is projected by the National Weather Service to reach major flood stage this weekend. This means those who live along or near the Des Plaines River should prepare for high water over the next several days and pay attention to weather and flooding forecasts.

As of late Friday night, the Des Plaines River near Gurnee and reached 9.7 feet — flood stage is 7 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The river is expected to continue to rise to near 11 feet by Saturday afternoon. At that level, US 41 becomes inundated, according to weather officials. The river at Lincolnshire reached 14.9 feet as of Friday night and is expected to rise near 16 feet by Sunday morning. Flood stage is 12.5 feet in that area.

When the river reaches 16 feet, IL-60/Townline Road becomes inundated with water near the river. In addition, several buildings could flood along US-45/Milwaukee Avenue between IL-22/Half Day Road and Deerfield Road, according to the National Weather Service.

A flood warning is currently in effect for the river from the Wisconsin-Illinois border downstream to Irving Park Road in Chicago and should remain in effect through Wednesday.

In Gurnee, a handful of roads are closed Saturday morning.

Lake County residents are urged to check the Lake County Passage website for updates on traffic issues due to flooding over the weekend and drivers are reminded to exercise caution and not attempt to drive through standing water.

In Gurnee, sandbags are available at Gurnee Public Works, 1151 Kilbourne Road, and volunteers are needed to help with sandbagging on Saturday afternoon.

In Lincolnshire, sandbags are available at the Lincolnshire Swim Club, 2 Yorkshire Drive, and updates on local road closures can be found on the village's website.

The Fox River and Chain O'Lakes are also projected to rise over the weekend. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has closed the Fox River to boating, and the Chain O'Lakes is at no wake status.

In Algonquin, residential roads near the Fox River were closed Friday. Towne Park has been closed due to flooding and the shoreline at Cornish Park is also closed. The river had reached 10.5 feet late Friday and flood stage is 9.5 feet. The river will rise to near 11.5 feet by Monday morning.

At 11.5 feet, floodwaters could affect residences along Oceola Drive in Algonquin. Jayne Street and Beach Drive could also be affected by flooding.

Updates on Algonquin flooding issues can be found on the village's website.

The flood warning for the Fox River is in effect until further notice from Johnsburg downstream to Red Gate Road in St. Charles.

The Skokie River has crested, meaning water levels have peaked and the river is beginning to recede, Lake County officials said Friday.

Check back for updates.