Flooding hits suburbs with more to come after storms strike Friday, likely tornado devastates Lena
An apparent tornado tore through the village of Lena Friday afternoon, causing extensive damage although no one was fatally injured, authorities said.
“Tonight, our village faced a devastating tornado, and while there is still much to assess, one thing is already clear — our community is strong,” Lena officials posted on Facebook.
High winds and thunderstorms crossed the Chicago area Friday night and tornado warnings were issued for multiple counties in the region.
Meanwhile, thousands of suburbanites coped with or braced for flooding as heavy rains overloaded local waterways.
Flooding forecast
• The National Weather Service issued a warning for the Fox River in Algonquin affecting Kane and McHenry counties. As of Saturday morning, the river was at 11.18 feet and expected to cause moderate flooding in the flood plain.
It should crest at 11.8 feet around 7 a.m. Wednesday. “Residents near the Fox River are encouraged to stay informed and take any precautionary measures they feel are appropriate for their property,” officials said.
Sandbags can be picked up at: Beach Drive at Rattray Drive; Center Street at La Fox River Drive; Filip Road; La Fox River Drive at Cornish Park; and Oceola Drive at Hubbard Street.
• Lake County officials also cautioned residents about flooding Saturday along the Des Plaines River, Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes as rain drenched saturated ground.
Hot spots include along the Des Plaines River, including south and north of Townline Road and in the Gurnee area. Des Plaines River levels should peak between Saturday and Sunday, then begin receding.
Other areas to watch are along the Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes as water from Wisconsin storms flows downstream and with additional rainfall projected in the coming days. Downtown Fox Lake and surrounding properties could experience additional flooding, the county said.
Authorities warned drivers not to experiment with driving through flooded roads but err on the safe side and turn around.
• Des Plaines officials announced Saturday Golf Road was closed between Des Plaines River Road and East River Road because of Des Plaines River overflow.
Sandbags can be picked up at the public works facility at 1111 Joseph Schwab Road.
• Officials with the Fox Waterway Agency warned “the Chain O’ Lakes and Fox River system is transitioning from a moderate to a major flood event. This is projected to be greater than the 2017 event.”
An agency coordinator also noted Saturday that the lakes have been closed based on a recommendation from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Friday storm fallout
The storm caused flooding at locations including Rollins Road in Fox Lake, Buffalo Creek in Wheeling, at Route 45 and Washington Street near Grayslake, as well as downing power lines down near Route 38 and Kirk Road in Geneva, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm converged on Lena in northwest Illinois about 3:40 p.m. Friday and hit numerous homes, businesses and infrastructure. Tree limbs and other debris blocked roads and scattered downed power lines, the Stephenson County sheriff’s office reported.
“We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury,” Sheriff Steve Stovall said in a statement. “Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of our residents, securing the affected areas, and supporting the village of Lena as recovery efforts move forward.”
The National Weather Service is assessing the storm and will update if it was a tornado.
Winds reached more than 70 mph with hail “up to teacup size” Friday afternoon and evening, NWS officials said.
• Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report.