Officials: water levels no cause for alarm
Officials from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are telling waterfront homeowners on the Chain O' Lakes and the Fox River that there's no need to worry just yet about rising water levels in Wisconsin.
John Palmieri, lockmaster of the Stratton Lock and Dam in McHenry, said the river and the Chain should not overflow their banks, despite water levels in New Munster, Wis., hitting about a foot over flood stage on Tuesday.
"We're pushing the water through nicely right now, so we shouldn't really see a problem if everything remains the same," he said.
However, Palmieri said, officials will monitor the situation since the forecast calls for snow, sleet and rain over the next few days in Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
"We are watching the precipitation models and keeping a close eye on what is taking place," he said. "It would be very helpful if the rain and snow stopped."
The National Weather Service is indicating that today will be dry. But there is a chance of snow on Thursday and Friday.
Warm weather in Wisconsin and Illinois at the beginning of the week rapidly melted snow. That caused water levels to climb systemwide, but mostly at New Munster.
In addition, heavy rains Monday and Tuesday caused water levels to increase.
Water gauges in New Munster show the Fox River there is 2 feet over bankfull stage, and a foot over flood stage. Officials estimate New Munster should level off at about 4 feet over flood stage by Thursday.
That water should snake its way to the Chain around Saturday, officials estimated.
Because of the winter drawdown -- where water levels are lowered using the dams -- the Chain and Fox River are about a foot below normal levels.
If it wasn't for that drawdown, the Chain and Fox River would likely have flooded Saturday, officials estimate.
Ed Lescher, head of the Fox Lake Emergency Services Disaster Agency, said the village also is keeping an eye on New Munster.
"There's a lot of storage room right now, so I don't think we need to worry," he said. "But, we will definitely be keeping an eye on it."