Elgin warns residents of flooding

Elgin’s Office of Emergency Management is warning residents in flood-prone areas to be prepared to evacuate their homes as rivers and creeks continue to rise with no end in sight to storms.

After a week of heavy rains that have raised the Poplar Creek 2.5 feet above normal levels and the Fox River above the action stage, the National Weather Service is predicting rain for six of the next seven days.

“Poplar Creek is already 2.5 feet over normal levels and the ground is already saturated,” said Karen Flanagan, coordinator of the officer of emergency management. “Residents in all of the city’s low-lying areas should be prepared to find emergency shelter if necessary and stay informed.”

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers and is predicting possibly severe thunderstorms today.

“Residents should have an evacuation plan in place before flooding occurs,” Flanagan said. “They should listen to local radio and television stations for flooding information or access information on various weather-related websites.”

Cityofelgin.org will also provide flooding updates.

Elgin is advising residents in flood-prone areas to store canned food, water, first-aid supplies, medicine and a battery-powered portable radio on hand.

The city is urging residents to evacuate immediately if advised, not to drive around barricades blocking roads and to stay out of the flood water especially if a power line is down.

If anyone needs a place to stay, PADS of Elgin at 1730 Berkley Street is an option.