Flood Warning Issued For Des Plaines River In Lake Co.

GURNEE, IL – More heavy rain is on its way, which could lead to flooding along the Des Plaines River in Lake County. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the Des Plaines River near Russell and the Des Plaines River near Gurnee. The flood warning will take effect for the Des Plaines River near Gurnee Tuesday evening and continue through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, the flood warning for the Des Plaines River near Russell will take effect Wednesday afternoon.

As of 7:30 a.m., the river was at 5.5 feet near Gurnee. Flood stage is 7 feet. Minor flooding is in the forecast as the river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday night and continue to rise to near 7.7 feet by Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

When the river reaches 7 feet, flooding begins to affect the lowest areas near the river.

The river is expected to fall below flood stage by Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the Des Plaines River near Russell had reached 5.6 feet by 7:30 a.m. Flood stage is 7 feet and minor flooding is also in the forecast in that area, according to the National Weather Service. The river is expected to rise above flood stage by Wednesday afternoon and continue to rise to near 8.5 feet by early Saturday morning.

When the river reaches to 8 feet, agricultural land and park lands begin to flood and water approaches a few homes near the railroad tracks in the area, according to the National Weather Service.

Between one to four inches of rain fell in the Chicago area overnight and another 1.3 inches of rain is expected through Tuesday evening, weather officials said. Heavy rain with some thunderstorms are expected mid-day. The rainfall lead to road closures across the area and more flash flooding is possible, according to the National Weather Service.

"The combination of this heavy rainfall, frozen ground, and some snow melt will likely result in flooding," according to the National Weather Service.

Residents are reminded to turn around and find an alternate route if they come upon a flooded road.

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