Fox River Ice Jams Could Cause Quick Rise With Little Warning

kanecountyconnects / January 24, 2019 / Comments Off / Education, Environment, Events, Government, Office of Emergency Management, Public Safety, Weather Events

The National Weather Service Chicago is warning residents who live near the Fox River of the growing potential for ice jams.

According to the NWS-C Hydrologic Outlook, the risk for river ice and ice jams increasing next several days, due to extreme cold temperatures.

Forecasts show temperatures as low as 10 degrees below zero on Thursday night (Jan. 24, 2019) and down to 8 below zero on Friday night.

“River ice has caused at least one ice jam in northern Illinois over the last few days,” the Weather Service said. “Rapid development of river ice may lead to additional ice jams, causing rises on area rivers with little warning.”

The Hydrologic Outlook means that elevated river conditions and potential impacts are possible, but not yet certain. Those with interests along area rivers should closely monitor future river forecasts.