State Of Emergency Declared In Suburbs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials in several west and northwest suburbs have declared various states of emergency or disaster Thursday morning, urging residents not to travel and others not to venture in because of flooding, road closures and stressed emergency resources.
States of emergency or disaster declarations have been called in Lombard, Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Schiller Park, River Grove, Gurnee, Des Plaines and Villa Park.
At 4:58 a.m., Lombard's acting Village President Bill Ware declared the village in a state of emergency because of flooding and high water.
Lombard has received about five inches of rain in the last 24 hours, which has led to flooded roads, ponds overtopping banks and hazardous conditions, a statement from the town said.
Forecasts anticipate rain throughout the morning, which will lead to additional high water and flood conditions.
The village was focusing its resources on property damage and emergency situations, and strongly encouraged residents to avoid traveling, as many vehicles have been stuck in high water.
Schiller Park has issued a flooding emergency. The village is urging residents to remain inside and off the roads as much as possible. Conditions are in some cases dangerous and some roads are impassable, a statement on the village website said. Residents were urged to contact 911 only if they have an imminent emergency.
In Elmhurst, a declaration of disaster was issued, because of flooding, severe sewage backup into homes, and overwhelmed resources.
River Grove is also urging caution with numerous roads closed by high water. A statement on the village website said, "Due to flooding these roads are shut down: Grand Avenue west from Thatcher to West; 5th Avenue/River Road from North north to Belmont. The River Road cutoff closed at 1st Avenue.
All park and recreation programs have been canceled, the statement said.
In Gurnee, the town reported that as of 10 a.m., the Des Plaines River was at a level of 10.09 feet and rising. A number of local roads in the northwest suburb were closed, including US Route 41 between IL Route 21 in both directions, as well as Grand Avenue between O'Plaine Road and First Street in both directions.
A number of other routes in Gurnee were restricted due to localized flooding. The village anticipates that Grand Avenue between Route 21 and O'Plaine Road will be closed later this morning. The village and Lake County are both issuing advisories to motorists to avoid travel unless necessary, a statement from Gurnee said.
A local state of emergency was also called in Des Plaines Thursday morning. A statement from the northwest suburb said that according to the National Weather Service, at 7:45 a.m. the Des Plaines River near Des Plaines was at flood stage 8.12 feet. The river was expected to crest at 11.5 feet at 7 a.m. on Friday
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
