Residents rescued in Lisle

Flooding in Lisle left dozens of houses underwater and required emergency crews to rescue people who were trapped inside their homes.

“It's the worst flooding I've ever seen,” Mayor Joe Broda said as he inspected the flooded areas with the police chief.

The village declared a state of emergency. Leaders are advising residents, commuters, and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel.

On Thursday afternoon, DuPage County sheriff's police said residents in the Towers of Four Lakes Village near Lisle were being evacuated due to flooding. Sheriff's deputies and crews from the Lisle Woodridge Fire Department used boats to rescue the residents.

Meanwhile, Maple Avenue has been closed from College Boulevard to Route 53, officials said.

Route 53 was shut down earlier at Burlington Avenue, and there are also problems along Warrenville Road and Ogden Avenue. Short Street also is closed.

Lisle police said it's dangerous to drive or walk through standing or floodwaters because the water can vary in depth.

“It's bad,” Broda said. “It's a mess all over the place.”

The mayor said police officers and firefighters worked together on Thursday morning to rescue some people from houses along Burlington and Route 53.

When asked how many houses were underwater, Broda said, “A lot. We're talking dozens of houses underwater — or they're taking on water.”

Evacuated residents needing shelter are advised to use the Krasa Center at Benedictine University.