Des Plaines, Fox rivers expected to recede throughout the week

With the forecast clear of significant rain for now, water levels along the swollen Des Plaines and Fox rivers are expected to slowly recede throughout the week.

Waterways in parts of the suburbs rose near or above flood levels last week after several inches of rain fell in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Flood warnings were issued Sunday for portions of the Des Plaines River in Lake County and the Fox River in Kane and McHenry counties, but National Weather Service predictions show the worst appears to be over.

At the Algonquin dam, the Fox River was a foot above the 9½-foot flood stage Sunday, leaving parts of Cornish Park underwater and resulting in moderate flooding throughout the area, according to the weather service. Minor flooding also was reported downstream.

Forecasts show the river from Johnsburg south to St. Charles gradually dropping to below flood stage by Thursday evening and continuing to decline through the weekend.

On Sunday, the Des Plaines River from Gurnee to Vernon Hills hovered around 7.8 feet, nearly 10 inches above flood stage, which caused low-lying areas along the river to be inundated with water, the weather service said. Water levels are expected to fall below the flood stage by Wednesday morning.

Flood advisories also were issued along the river near Lincolnshire and Des Plaines, though water levels there never reached flood stage.

Forecasts show clearer skies and warmer weather in the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s by Friday. The weather service is predicting a slight chance of showers throughout the week.