Kane County today declared a state of disaster, as water continues to flow over the banks of the Fox River.

Authorized by Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen upon the recommendation of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management, the declaration takes effect immediately and lasts for seven days.

“On the night of July 11 to the morning of July 12, multiple waves of thunderstorms moved across southern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois as substantial rainfall amounts resulted,” the proclamation states. “Due to this fact, extreme flooding is forecast along the Fox River, which is expected to reach major flood stage levels in Kane County by this weekend.”

According to the latest information from the National Weather Service Chicago, the Fox River at Algonquin tailwater is the hardest hit of any location in the Chicago area. The village of Algonquin declared a state of disaster yesterday (Thursday, July 13, 2017).

The tailwater is presently expected to crest at 13 feet — a full foot over the major flood stage — by Monday or Tuesday.

Office of Emergency Management Director Don Bryant said the declaration of disaster is important for a number of reasons.

“The disaster declaration will serve to activate the county’s emergency operations plans along with helping residents to qualify for federal disaster assistance should the county qualify for such aid,” he said Friday.

He added that, as the level of the Fox River continues to rise, people needing sandbags should first check with their municipality for availability. If sandbags are not available from a municipality, citizens can get them at the Kane County Highway garage located at 41W011 Burlington Road in Campton Hills.