Multiple fire departments from Lake County responded to Skokie after a water main break on Friday caused major flooding and left the town without water.
The Village of Skokie said they were working to repair a significant transmission water main break that occurred around 5:15 a.m. Friday at East Prairie Road and Emerson Street.
Community members in Skokie reported very low water pressure or no water supply. A precautionary boil water order was issued.Â
“Crews are coordinating with neighboring communities and working to restore water pressure and service to all impacted customers as soon as possible,” the village said Friday afternoon.
Numerous road closures were put in place due to flooding, which caused icy conditions.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to bring a Division 4 tender strike team from Lake County to Skokie.
Fire departments including Fox Lake, Round Lake, Lake Villa, Newport, Antioch and Libertyville were sent to standby at Skokie fire stations due to the village not having water.
The Fox Lake Fire Protection District said they sent a truck carrying 3,000 gallons of water until the 36-inch water main break is repaired.
“When needed, the fire service bands together to help in any way possible,” the Libertyville Fire Department said.
The Antioch Fire Department said they sent a tender truck with a 3,000-gallon capacity to one of Skokie’s fire stations until their hydrants are back in service. “We’re always prepared to help when needed.”
The village reported on Saturday morning that crews worked throughout the night to repair the water main and the village’s water system was refilling with water pressure expected to continue to increase throughout the day.