Flood alert issued along Des Plaines, Fox rivers in Lake Co.

Lake County officials have issued a flood alert to areas along the Fox and Des Plaines rivers because of a one-two punch of melting snow and a forecast of heavy rain.

Recent warmer weather has led to significant snow melt across Lake County and in Wisconsin near the rivers, said Kent McKenzie, of the Lake County Emergency Management Agency. A slow moving weather system is expected to deliver periods of rain over the next several days.

McKenzie said that combination has already pushed water levels on many streams and rivers to near flood stage, and any localized heavy rain over the next few days could cause flooding in low-lying areas.

The Fox River in New Munster, Wis., is about six inches over flood stage, he said. The could cause the river to rise to near flood stage downstream near Fox River Gardens outside of Antioch.

The Des Plaines River at Russell Road is about two inches below flood stage and about 18 inches below flood stage in Gurnee.

McKenzie added water is flowing into the Chain O' Lakes faster than it can flow out, so lake levels are rising and will continue to rise for the next few days.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring the river and stream levels, and operating the gates at both Stratton and Algonquin dams in accordance with their plans, he said.

Gauges will be monitored on the Des Plaines River and Fox River, and updates will be provided to residents as needed.