Lake County, IL

Alerts

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Alerts are listed in order of start time and level of severity. Click on the alert title to read details for each alert.

In effect from Monday 04/20 3:42 AM CDT – Saturday 04/25 1:00 PM CDT

Issued by NWS Chicago IL

What

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

Where

A portion of northeast Illinois, including the following counties, Lake IL and McHenry.

When

Until 100 PM CDT Saturday.

Impacts

Numerous roads, yards, structures, and park land are expected to flood along the Fox River Chain of Lakes.

Additional Details

- At 336 AM CDT, River gauges along the Fox River Chain of Lakes indicated slowly-rising water levels due to recent rainfall across the area. As of 3:15 AM Monday, the gauge on Fox Lake at Lake Villa has risen into moderate flood stage. - Water levels may near major flood stage by the middle of next week and remain above flood stage potentially for several weeks. Impacts from this flood may be similar to those experienced in May of 1973, October of 1986, or June of 2008. - Some locations that will experience flooding include areas along the Fox River Chain of Lakes, including Nippersink Lake, Fox Lake, Pistakee Lake, Petite Lake, Lake Marie, Channel Lake, and Lake Catherine. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

Now is the time to prepare for flooding that hasn't occurred in several years. Residents living along the immediate shorelines of the Fox River Chain of Lakes need to take precautions to protect property including moving valuables to higher ground.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.


Areas impacted

  • Lake, IL
  • McHenry, IL

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:08 AM CDT – Tuesday 04/21 5:15 AM CDT

Issued by NWS Chicago IL

Forecast flooding changed from Moderate to Major severity for the following rivers in Illinois

Fox River at Algonquin Lock & Dam tailwater affecting Lake IL, Kane and McHenry Counties.

For the Fox River (Illinois)...including Algonquin Lock & Dam tailwater, Montgomery...Major flooding is forecast.

What

Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.

Where

Fox River from Johnsburg downstream to Red Gate Road in St. Charles, including the Algonquin Lock & Dam tailwater gauge.

When

Until further notice.

Impacts

At 12.0 feet, Structures threatened along River Street, Johnson Street, and Maiden Lane in East Dundee. North Harrison Street threatened near Riverside Park in Algonquin. Washington Street threatened in Carpentersville. Water Street, Edwards Avenue, and Elgin Avenue threatened in East Dundee. Bayview Road threatened in Elgin. Low-lying areas of Festival Park are threatened in Elgin. At 12.5 feet, Residences threatened along Edwards Avenue in East Dundee. Prairie Trail is threatened at the river in Algonquin. Parking lots threatened in downtown Carpentersville. Low-lying parking lots threatened at Judson College in Elgin.

Additional Details

- At 10:30 AM CDT Monday the stage was 11.7 feet. - Recent Activity...The river stage has been climbing slowly over the last several days. - Forecast...The river is expected to crest near 12.2 feet on Thursday. - Flood stage is 9.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 11.8 feet on 05/23/2020. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts.
Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.
The next statement will be issued by late tonight.


Areas impacted

  • Kane, IL
  • Lake, IL
  • McHenry, IL

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:14 AM CDT – Monday 04/20 11:15 PM CDT

Issued by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Wisconsin...Illinois...

Fox River At Princeton affecting Green Lake County.

Sugar River At Brodhead affecting Green, Rock and Winnebago Counties.

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Wisconsin...Illinois...

Fox River Lower At Waukesha affecting Waukesha County.

Wisconsin River At Portage affecting Columbia County.

Rock River At Newville affecting Rock County.

Rock River Near Lake Koshkonong affecting Rock and Jefferson Counties.

Rock River At Fort Atkinson affecting Jefferson County.

Rock River At Afton affecting Rock and Winnebago Counties.

Rock River At Jefferson affecting Jefferson County.

Rock River At Watertown affecting Jefferson County.

ROCK RIVER near LEBANON-3 E-HWY MM BRIDGE affecting Dodge County.

Fox River Near Berlin affecting Green Lake County.

Crawfish River At Milford affecting Jefferson County.

Fox River Lower Near New Munster affecting Lake and Kenosha Counties.

The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in Wisconsin

Milwaukee River Near Cedarburg affecting Ozaukee County.

Pecatonica River At Martintown affecting Green County.

What

Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.

Where

Fox River Lower near New Munster.

When

Until further notice.

Impacts

At 15.0 feet, Highway 50 is closed due to floodwaters over the highway. There is widespread flooding in the Town of Wheatland and Village of Salem Lakes. Floodwaters are into the lower levels of some homes in those areas along Riverside Drive, Shorewood Drive, 101st Street and Shorewood Terrace.

Additional Details

- At 10:00 AM CDT Monday the stage was 14.8 feet. - Bankfull stage is 10.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 10:00 AM CDT Monday was 15.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall to 11.3 feet Monday, April 27. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 15.0 feet on 08/24/2007. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way.
Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.
The next statement will be issued this afternoon at 1215 PM CDT.


Areas impacted

  • Lake, IL
  • Kenosha, WI

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:36 AM CDT – Tuesday 04/21 5:45 AM CDT

Issued by NWS Chicago IL

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois

Kishwaukee River near Perryville affecting Winnebago County.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Byron affecting Ogle County.

Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties.

Pecatonica River near Shirland affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Rockton affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Latham Park affecting Winnebago County.

Fox River at Montgomery affecting Kendall and Kane Counties.

Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Cook and Lake IL Counties.

Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL County.

Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL County.

Observed flooding changed to Minor severity for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Dixon affecting Lee and Ogle Counties.

What

Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.

Where

Des Plaines River from US-41 in Gurnee downstream to Townline Road in Vernon Hills, including the Gurnee gauge.

When

Until further notice.

Impacts

At 11.0 feet, US-41 (Skokie Highway) threatened near the river in Gurnee. Mundelein Water Reclamation Facility property is threatened near Libertyville.

Additional Details

- At 10:30 AM CDT Monday the stage was 10.6 feet. - Recent Activity...The river crested yesterday at 10.7 feet and has begun a slow fall. - Forecast...The river is expected to continue a slow fall the next several days. - Flood stage is 7.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts.
Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.
The next statement will be issued by this evening.


Areas impacted

  • Lake, IL

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:36 AM CDT – Tuesday 04/21 5:45 AM CDT

Issued by NWS Chicago IL

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois

Kishwaukee River near Perryville affecting Winnebago County.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Byron affecting Ogle County.

Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties.

Pecatonica River near Shirland affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Rockton affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Latham Park affecting Winnebago County.

Fox River at Montgomery affecting Kendall and Kane Counties.

Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Cook and Lake IL Counties.

Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL County.

Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL County.

Observed flooding changed to Minor severity for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Dixon affecting Lee and Ogle Counties.

What

Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.

Where

Des Plaines River from IL/WI state line downstream to US-41 in Gurnee, including the Russell gauge.

When

Until further notice.

Impacts

At 9.5 feet, Residential structures threatened along Russell Road between the river and Kilbourne Road. Industrial parking lots threatened along Kilbourne Road.

Additional Details

- At 10:30 AM CDT Monday the stage was 9.4 feet. - Recent Activity...The river crested yesterday at 9.6 feet and has begun a slow fall. - Forecast...The river is expected to continue a slow fall the next several days. - Flood stage is 7.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts.
Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.
The next statement will be issued by this evening.


Areas impacted

  • Lake, IL

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:36 AM CDT – Tuesday 04/21 5:45 AM CDT

Issued by NWS Chicago IL

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois

Kishwaukee River near Perryville affecting Winnebago County.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Byron affecting Ogle County.

Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties.

Pecatonica River near Shirland affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Rockton affecting Winnebago County.

Rock River at Latham Park affecting Winnebago County.

Fox River at Montgomery affecting Kendall and Kane Counties.

Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Cook and Lake IL Counties.

Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL County.

Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL County.

Observed flooding changed to Minor severity for the following rivers in Illinois

Rock River at Dixon affecting Lee and Ogle Counties.

What

Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.

Where

Des Plaines River from Townline Road in Libertyville downstream to Palatine Road in Prospect Heights, including the Lincolnshire gauge.

When

Until further notice.

Impacts

At 15.0 feet, Structures threatened along IL-22 (Half-Day Road) just east of the river. Multiple structures threatened near and west of US-45 (Milwaukee Avenue) and Deerfield Road. Deerfield Road threatened near the river. Multiple trails inundated in Half-Day Forest Preserve.

Additional Details

- At 10:45 AM CDT Monday the stage was 15.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The river is currently cresting near 15.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to begin a slow fall by tomorrow. - Flood stage is 12.5 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to do

A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts.
Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.
The next statement will be issued by this evening.


Areas impacted

  • Cook, IL
  • Lake, IL

Tips to stay safe

A Flood Warning means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your home. 

  • If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to the highest floor and call 911. Go to the roof only if necessary. 
  • Do not go into any room where electrical cords or outlets are under water. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, move to the roof and signal for help.

From the forecaster

The Week Ahead

Created by the NWS Chicago WFO

Warmer conditions will develop this week (with the exception of Wednesday near the lake). There is a chance of thunderstorms mainly near/south of I-80 Tuesday evening. Thereafter, greater shower/storm chances will arrive with another cold front towards the end of the week.

Seven-day weather risk overview

Daily weather risk summary

risk level
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out of 10
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No risk
Low risk
High risk

Weather forecasting office

Chicago Forecast Office

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