Heavy storms hit Lake, McHenry counties

Cleanup is continuing in northern Lake and McHenry counties and southern Wisconsin this morning after heavy storms blew through the areas overnight.

The storms that hit north and western McHenry County and northern Lake County at about 10 p.m. prompted tornado sirens from McHenry to Antioch, officials from the National Weather Service said.

And, while there is no evidence that a tornado touched down anywhere, damage to signs and trees was evident this morning in Gurnee and Zion.

Fox Lake, Waukegan and Zion seemed to have the heaviest rainfall totals, officials said. Fox Lake and Waukegan recorded 1.8 inches of rain overnight, while Zion recorded 2.2 inches of rain in the same time span.

A flash flood watch remains in effect by the National Weather Service, officials said, and the Fox River is also at a dangerous level.

A flash flood watch means conditions may exist that could lead to a flash flood.

Officials said the river will swell to 2½ feet over flood levels in New Munster, Wis., by Saturday afternoon. That flood water could hit the Chain O' Lakes in Fox Lake and Antioch by Monday.

That should cause the Chain to rise above normal summer levels, but is not expected to reach a point with water overflows seawalls and onto lawns, officials said.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue across the area today. In addition, despite the rain, the high temperature is expected to reach between 90 and 95 degrees, with the heat index swelling to over 100 degrees. This heat could set off another string of storms across the two counties, officials warned.

The heaviest rainfall seems to be coming possibly tonight, with amounts in excess of 3 inches possible, weather officials said.