No-wake status on lower Fox River

Heavy rain is again playing havoc with boaters and businesses on the Fox River.

Following seven days of rainfall, the Fox Waterway Agency has declared no-wake status on the lower Fox River.

Restrictions could be extended to the entire Chain O' Lakes as early as the weekend if more rain falls and water levels rise, Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials said.

The no-wake restriction on the lower river, which went into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, means boaters are not allowed to travel at speeds greater than 5 mph from the Bolger-Stratton Lock and Dam in McHenry to the Algonquin Dam in Algonquin.

Violations of no-wake or other boat restrictions during flooding are subject to a fine of $300 to $500.

Boaters who use the waterways during no-wake also should be aware of fast moving currents and high water obstructions, officials said.

There are currently no restrictions in place from the dam in McHenry north through the Chain. However, that could change in the coming days as water flows south on the Fox River from New Munster, Wis.

Officials there believe water levels will cap out at three feet above flood stage late Thursday or early Friday. That would be enough to push water on the Chain to the top of sea walls or onto roadways and lawns in low-lying areas, said Rita Lee of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"Impact-wise, there will be some road and yard problems and a handful of houses on the Chain that will get some water up to their foundations," she said. "We expect the Fox River will rise as well, and will overflow its banks downstream of the Stratton Dam."

She added some homes in low-lying areas near Cary could be affected.

The amount of rain that falls over watershed will tell the real story over the next couple of days, Lee said.

The National Weather Service isn't predicting any significant rainfall over the system until Saturday or Sunday.