Minor flooding expected but storms next week could mean trouble

Flood conditions eased Thursday but watches and warnings remained in effect for parts of Lake County, while a storm forecast for next week could mean trouble, according to the Lake County Emergency Management Agency.

Because there was less rainfall than expected over southern Wisconsin through Wednesday, flood crests on the Des Plaines River at Russell and on the Fox River at New Munster, Wis., dropped a bit, said C. Kent McKenzie, emergency management coordinator.

“We’re still expecting moderate flooding along the entire Fox River system around the Chain O’ Lakes and the southern Fox and we’re watching the forecast for the storm system,” he said.

Rainfall over the Fox River watershed in Wisconsin has increased flows, and water is expected to rise along the Fox River between New Munster and the Chain. That will impact the Fox River Springs neighborhood in Antioch Township, according to the agency.

The Chain will continue to rise, and high water on the lower Fox River is expected from Saturday through late next week. That will cause flooding of yards and roads below the Chain, including parts of Cuba Township in Lake County and areas in McHenry County.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Des Plaines River at Gurnee was expected to crest Friday at a minor flood stage and then slowly fall. At Lincolnshire, the crest is expected below flood stage.

A storm system is forecast to cross the county early next week but models don’t agree on its path.

“Depending on its track, that could push us over to major flooding next week but it’s far too early to know exactly where that system may go,” McKenzie said.