Gurnee asks for volunteers to sandbag

With more rain expected this week, Gurnee village officials have issued a call for volunteers to begin sandbagging against floodwaters that are expected to continue to rise.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Des Plaines River was at 7.65 feet, causing minor flooding. However, additional rainfall of three or more inches is predicted by the National Weather Service throughout the rest of the week.

Sandbagging efforts will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Gurnee Grade School playground, 940 Kilbourne Road, for registration and assignment. Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Throughout Wednesday, the Gurnee Public Works Department and Warren Township’s Highway Department will continue sandbag assembly and delivery.

Sand and bags are available for residents and businesses to fill their own at 4575 Old Grand Ave. across from the fire station.

Residents do not need to leave the area, officials say, but should such a precautionary measure need to be taken, the village will use the automatic phone system to send out notice.

For more information, call the village at (847) 599-6640. Periodic updates will be available at gurnee.il.us.