Algonquin Tailwater Has Crested; Founders Day Forced to Move

Algonquin Tailwater Has Crested; Founders Day Forced to Move

/ July 19, 2017 / Comments Off on Algonquin Tailwater Has Crested; Founders Day Forced to Move / Communities, Government, Office of Emergency Management, Police & Fire, Public Safety, Weather Events

The Algonquin Tailwater has crested, but Kane County isn’t out of the woods, as more rain threatens the forecast in the next few days.

As of this morning (Wednesday, July 19, 2017), the Algonquin Tailwater is at 12.29 feet, still at “major flooding” stage. The Fox River at Montgomery is at 13.63 feet, at “minor flooding” stage.

The Fox River remains closed to recreational watercraft, and road closures continue, according to the daily update report from Kane County Office of Emergency Services Director Don Bryant.

Road closures are reported at:

  • Winaki Trail from the bend to Onaway Trail in Dundee Township.
  • Fox River Drive in the Richardson Subdivision.
  • Lincoln Avenue between North 4th Street and 6th Street in West Dundee.
  • 1st Street between Main Street and Lincoln Avenue in West Dundee.
  • Preston Avenue at Linden Avenue in Elgin.

Sandbag supplies remain available to the public at the Kane County Transportation garage, 41W011 Burlington Road, St. Charles, and at various municipal locations.

Residential flooding has been reported in the Algonquin Shores, Richardson and Valley View subdivisions.

Bryant said a local business or resident can report damage directly to Kane County online by filling out an Initial Damage Assessment.

Immediately following a disaster or major emergency, it is necessary to quickly, and as accurately as possible, assess the damages and impacts to the community, Bryant said. The initial damage assessment focuses on damages to residences, businesses and public infrastructure.

“A timely damage assessment will give important information to emergency managers to enable them to support emergency response personnel and provide resources to the areas most in need and effectively assist the population with critical recovery following the incident,” Bryan said.

The public can use this form as a means of reporting their damage to local emergency officials, but this does not constitute an application for disaster assistance.

Algonquin Founders Day Forced to Move

Algonquin Founders Day, arguably the biggest festival in Algonquin, will have to change venues due to recent flooding of the downtown area.

Organizers announced late Tuesday that the event — which takes place from Thursday, July 27, to Sunday, July 30 — will be moving to Algonquin Lakes Park, 1401 Compton Drive.

The event had been scheduled for Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., which is closed due to the flooding.

The four-day event includes a Bicycle Decorating Contest, BBQ Cook-Off, Kids Korner, Outdoor Business Expo, Family Olympics, live music, one of the longest standing parades in the state, a Trivia Night and the Fireworks Spectacular.

For more information, visit the Algonquin Founders Day website and Faceook page.

National Weather Service Report

The National Weather Service Chicago said Wednesday morning that thunderstorms are likely later tonight and more later this week.

Organized thunderstorms are expected near the Illinois-Wisconsin border after 10 p.m. Winds could be in excess of 50 mph and there could be bursts of rain for a one- or two-hour period. “How far south this will advance is uncertain,” the NWS-C said as of 9:20 a.m.

Storms are expected to continue through Saturday.

“Already wet ground and high water in the DesPlaines and Fox River basins in northeast Illinois make this area more prone to additional flooding,” the Weather Service said.

For timely reports from the National Weather Service, click on the following links:

Village of Algonquin Report

National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Fox River at the Algonquin tailwater affecting Kane and McHenry counties. As of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday (July 19, 2017), the Fox River is at 12.29 feet, which will begin to cause major flooding in the floodplain.

Current National Weather Service reports indicate the Fox River crested on July 18 at approximately 12.38 feet, but the village will continue to monitor river levels and future weather forecasts.

The village is issuing notice to the residents in the floodplain that a flood with the potential to damage property is likely and that sandbagging is encouraged directly. Sandbags are available for residents at various locations adjacent to the flood plain areas.

At this time, the village does not see an immediate need to leave the area, but residents are encouraged to monitor the quickly changing conditions and to take appropriate actions, including possible relocation.

Street Closures

  • Beach Drive east of Rattray Drive
  • La Fox River Drive north of Washington Street
  • Filip Street
  • Willow Street

Park Closures

The Algonquin Summer Concerts event on July 20 have been cancelled.

Volunteer Information

Volunteers are not being solicited at this time. Information for volunteer opportunities will be posted as it becomes available during the week. Please check the village of Algonquin website daily for updates.

Sandbag Supply Locations

  • La Fox River Drive at Cornish Park
  • Center Street at IL Route 31
  • Filip Road at END
  • Beach Drive at Rattray Drive
  • Oceola Drive at Hubbard Street
  • Riverfront Park
  • Lowe Drive at Melvina Court
  • Lowe Drive at Lehigh Street

Residents with questions regarding the flooding event and most current forecasts may visit the village website or connect with the village on social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, Nixle).

SOURCE: Kane County Office of Emergency Management, National Weather Service Chicago, village of Algonquin

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