Screenshot from a drone video, courtesy of the village of Algonquin.

Heavy rains Wednesday night and today (Thursday, July 20, 2017) hammered the Fox Valley and put residents of Algonquin area on their heels as the Fox River has risen to almost 3 feet over the flood stage.

Rainfall totals of 3.65 inches was reported upriver in Rockford, and Elgin was hit with 2.38 inches in the 24-hour period prior to 8 a.m. (Thursday).

Isolated storms are possible again this afternoon and tonight, and more widespread storms are forecast Friday and Friday night.

“These storms will likely be efficient rainfall producers,” the National Weather Service Chicago said. “While there remains modest uncertainty in placement of storms within the region from Friday and Friday night, there is increasing signal that along and north of Interstate 88 in northern Illinois and into Wisconsin may be the most favored. Again on Saturday, there is a chance for thunderstorms as well before drier air moves into the region.”

A Flood Warning for the Fox River continues at the Algonquin tailwater affecting Kane and McHenry counties.

The village of Algonquin said in a 10 a.m. news release that the Fox River is at 12.75 feet, and expected to climb, causing major flooding in the floodplain.

“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,” the release said. “Sandbags will continue to be made available for residents, as quantities and resources allow, 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,” the release said. “The decision to relocate due to flooding should be evaluated based upon individual circumstances.”

Algonquin residents who decide to relocate due to flooding should contact the Algonquin Police Department non-emergency number at 847-658-4531.

“This will assist us in properly directing our public safety resources,” the city said.

Algonquin sandbag pickup locations include:

• 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
  

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

In response to future weather forecasts, the village anticipates a need for volunteers for sandbagging efforts in the upcoming days. Check www.algonquin.org/flood or village social media channels for updated information.

Flooding, Road Closures in Unincorporated Areas

According to a daily report by Don Bryant, director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management, residential flooding has been reported at the following rural areas:

• Algonquin Shores Subdivision
• Richardson Subdivision – Dundee Township
• St. Charles Township

Road closures are reported at Winaki Trail from the bend to Onaway Trail in Dundee Township, and at Fox River Drive in the Richardson Subdivision.

In West Dundee, Lincoln Avenue is closed between North 4^th Street and 6^th Street and on 1^st Street between Main Street and Lincoln Avenue.

In Elgin, Preston Avenue is closed at Linden Avenue.