NWS: Flood Warning In Effect for The Fox River
In the wake of Tuesday’s tornado touchdown and heavy rains, Kane County communities along the Fox River are seeing significant flooding.
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Algonquin Tailwater and the Fox River at Montgomery.
As of 1:39 p.m. today (Wednesday, June 27, 2018), the Fox River at the Algonquin Tailwater was at 11.2 feet. It had reached 11.92 earlier today.
The flood stage there is 9.5 feet, and the moderate flood state is 10.5 feet. At its peak today, it was just short of major flood stage, which is 12 feet.
According to the Village of Algonquin, about 4.5 inches of rain fell between 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, and 1 a.m. today.
“Throughout the storm, the village closely monitored the its storm sewer system for functionality and all systems were and are operating properly,” the village website said.
In addition to monitoring the storm sewer systems, the village began a light sandbagging operation as a precautionary measure; sandbags can be located at designated drop zones in neighborhoods near the Fox River and will be distributed as requested.
While the storm sewer systems are operating properly, the amount of rain received in a short period of time, has caused some localized flooding. These areas with high water are draining properly and are currently receding.
Several local streets, along with parks have been closed due to standing water and hazardous conditions. Please see the list below for all street and park closings.
| Park Closings | Water on Pavement |
| Cornish Park | Applewood @ Thornapple |
| Holder Park | Cumberland @ Glacier |
| Towne Park | Cumberland @ Chase |
| Cumberland @ Ryan | |
| Glacier @ Glacier Ct | |
| Teton | |
| Woods Creek |
All residents and motorists should avoid driving or walking through flood waters.
“We ask that all those who live in and travel through Algonquin recognize and abide by closed off areas,” village officials said. “We will continue to monitor and issue updates regarding the status of the flooding and as areas and roadways become clear.”
Visit www.algonquin.org for the most current information.
As of 11:49 a.m. today (Wednesday, June 27, 2018), the Fox River at Montgomery is at 13.99 feet. Food stage there is 13.0 feet and moderate flood stage is 14.0 feet.
Kane Forest Preserves, Trails
The following are temporarily closed due to flooding: all equestrian trails; all boat launches; the causeway at Fabyan Forest Preserve; the Fox River Trail at Stearns Road; parts of Buffalo Park Forest Preserve; and parts of the internal trail system at Brunner Family Forest Preserve (due to an earlier washout).
As water recedes and trails are reopened, the Kane County Forest Preserve District will update its website and social media.
Other Areas
(CREDIT: city of St. Charles)
The city of St. Charles sent a release saying that the Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service Chicago for the Fox River at Algonquin Tailwater is affecting Kane and McHenry counties.
The Flood Warning will remain in effect until Sunday afternoon.
The Restricted Boating Area designation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Fox River also remains in effect.
The Fox River has overflowed its banks in some locations and currents have increased to powerful flows. Do not enter the river or surrounding floodwaters, and avoid submerged paths and other flooded areas.
St. Charles Fire Chief Joe Schelstreet warns against the dangers of flooding.
“We understand people are captivated by the power of the river and seeing flooded areas under water,” he said. “But the river at this stage is extremely dangerous. Never enter floodwater, no matter how shallow it seems. The water can contain debris and contaminants that are detrimental to your health. While we are prepared to perform river rescue operations, these conditions are still treacherous for our emergency service personnel.”
SOURCE: St. Charles news release
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