Rauner declares Lake, McHenry, Kane counties state disaster areas
Gov. Bruce Rauner has declared Lake, McHenry and Kane counties state disaster areas as a result of this week's flooding.
The declaration comes as rivers and lakes in the counties have reached or will reach record crests. The flooding came after a deluge of heavy rains Wednesday into Thursday.
A release from the governor's office said the state has already coordinated the delivery of 350,000 sandbags as requested by Lake County and is sending another 250,000 sandbags and plastic to an Illinois Department of Transportation yard in northern Illinois.
Rauner also directed Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director James K. Joseph to activate the State Emergency Operations Center as needed over the weekend and into next week to coordinate any requests for assistance from communities hit by floods.
"These counties were hit with flash and river flooding caused by more than seven inches of rain over a couple of days," Rauner said in a statement. "The first responders have done a tremendous job protecting public health and safety. IEMA has been working closely with the emergency managers in these counties. This proclamation will ensure that we continue to provide whatever assistance is needed now and in the coming days as they begin recovery efforts."
"IEMA and state agencies currently are working together with the affected counties to proactively identify potential resource needs and allocate the necessary state resources," said Joseph.
Updates on the flooding are being provided on the Ready Illinois website at www.ready.illinois.gov.