Multiple people were rescued after heavy rainfall early Friday morning caused busy roadways and homes to flood throughout Lake County, officials said.
Over the past five days, areas in Lake County have received between five to seven inches of rain, officials in Lake County said.
“Lake County officials are working together to assist local communities in response to flooding. Many water storage areas are full, or over-capacity,” Alex Carr, Communications Coordinator of Lake County, said.
Numerous road closures occurred early Friday morning from water on the road, according to the Lake County Department of Transportation. Most of the roads have since reopened but Route 41 between Route 137 and Route 176 remains closed as of Friday afternoon.
There were also several reports of people being rescued from their homes and cars. In Lake Forest, the underpass at Route 41 and Deerpath Road was flooded and a car was stuck in the water. In Waukegan, firefighters rescued a boy and a woman from their home as several feet of water surrounded their home.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that they responded to dozens of weather-related calls the past two nights.
“Sheriff’s Deputies and countywide first-responders assisted multiple stranded people overnight. There were a number of incidents throughout Lake County where individuals drove through high-standing water and their vehicle became disabled, leaving them stranded inside,” Lake County Sheriff Spokesman Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
A number of rivers in Lake County, including the Des Plaines, Skokie and Fox Rivers, are already at minor, moderate or near flood stage. The rivers are expected to rise through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
The Des Plaines River near Gurnee is currently at moderate flood stage at around 9 ½ feet and expected to rise to 11 ½ feet by Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service said, adding that the flood stage is 7 feet.
A flood warning continues for areas along the Des Plaines River in Lake County as “major flooding” is expected, the NWS said.
“This is making travel difficult through many areas of the county. It is dangerous to drive through water. Remember to ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’,” Lake County officials warned the public.
People are asked to avoid contact with floodwater, which can contain organisms that may cause disease.
“Do not walk through flooded areas, and prevent children and pets from playing in or drinking water left in puddles or flooded areas. If you come in contact with floodwater, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water,” Lake County officials said in a press release.
“Check for safety hazards before entering a flooded home or basement. Make sure no electrical or other safety hazards, such as leaking gas, exist,” the news released added.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is continuing to assess localized flooding, officials said. For updated road conditions, visit Lake County PASSAGE at lakecountypassage.com.