'It needs to stop raining'

Fox Lake officials said they're filling sandbags and making other preparations for what could be the worst flood in recent history.

And they say property owners should be doing the same.

Due to heavy rain throughout the Midwest over the past few days, Fox River water levels in New Munster, Wis., are expected to crest about 4 feet above flood level Tuesday morning.

That means the Chain O' Lakes and the Fox River in Illinois will overflow their banks, according to officials at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

And, if more rain comes and water levels continue to rise as expected, officials said property damage would be inevitable.

Fox Lake Emergency Services Disaster Agency Director Ed Lescher said he expects the Chain O' Lakes in Fox Lake to overflow in low-lying areas as early as Tuesday morning. He said the worst floods are expected to hit by Wednesday.

"We're are being proactive and preparing for the worst by filling sandbags," he said. "Work crews are filling sandbags right now and we will start distributing them as needed."

The Chain O' Lakes last flooded in 2004, when water levels crested in New Munster about 13 feet above normal summer pool levels. About 60 homes were damaged.

Lescher said if predictions hold true, this week's flood could be worse -- possibly the worst over the past two decades.

"It needs to stop raining," he said. "But, unfortunately, I don't think that's going to happen in the immediate future."

The National Weather Service has announced it will rain off and on throughout the week, which would keep pushing water levels higher and hinder relief efforts. Lescher said about 13 inches of rain has fallen in the area in the last month.

Fox Waterway Agency Executive Director Ingrid Ruttendjie said if New Munster hits 14 feet above normal summer pool levels as predicted, it would reach the highest level she has ever seen.

"This is real high," she said. "It needs to stop raining."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has officially closed the river to all boating from the Algonquin Dam to the mouth of the Chain O' Lakes in Johnsburg.

The closure was due to swift currents and potential floating debris that had become dislodged, said IDNR water hydraulist Rita Lee.

The Fox Waterway Agency has imposed no-wake restrictions on the Chain O' Lakes.

Lee said the Chain O' Lakes would not be closed during the high water event because there are no risks involved with boating on high water. She added the IDNR no longer closes waterways to protect property.

The National Weather Service has also issued a moderate flood warning in Gurnee along the Des Plaines River.

Gurnee Assistant Village Administrator Pat Muetz said the Des Plaines River was measured at 6.67 feet above normal levels and is "slowly rising or holding stable."

The National Weather Service said in a release the Des Plaines River would reach flood stage at 7 feet above normal levels sometime Monday.

Though the river is near flood stage, Muetz said, sandbags and evacuation procedures would not be necessary unless the river rises more than a predicted 7.6-foot crest on Friday.

"We should be in decent shape right now unless the precipitation forecast changes," he said.

Lee, who refused to forecast potential water levels, said residents should be prepared for the worst.

"I am, however, definitely recommending people living along the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes start taking precautionary steps in case of flooding," she said.