Flood concerns ease as rain finally goes away

The threat of large-scale flooding appears to be over as heavy rains finally moved out of the area Thursday - but officials still are keeping a close eye on areas along the Des Plaines, Fox and DuPage rivers as well as area creeks and streams.

The National Weather Service said some areas have received more than 5 inches of rain since April 27.

In DuPage County, officials set Fawell Dam on the West Branch of the DuPage River in the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve upstream of Naperville to 5 feet, leading Naperville officials to continuously monitor the potential for downtown flooding.

The Des Plaines and Fox rivers remain high and have caused some minor flooding in low-lying areas in Lincolnshire, Algonquin, Gurnee and Des Plaines.

Wauconda's Bangs Lake was closed to all boats Thursday afternoon because of the heavy rains. The lake's level was more than a foot higher than usual, officials said.

The Fox River is still expected to crest at flood stage this weekend in Algonquin. At that level, low-lying areas in Holiday Hills and in Valley View on Grove Street could take on water.

The Fox River crested Wednesday in Montgomery at minor flood stage, meaning some lowlands near the river were taking on water, but home damage is not expected.

Water levels on the Fox River in New Munster, Wisconsin, are expected to reach flood stage Friday, then begin dropping Saturday. The Chain O' Lakes water rose about 3 inches in Fox Lake but remains well within the safe flooding zone, according to the Fox Waterway Agency website. Nippersink Creek - which feeds in to the Chain - has crested and is dropping.

A chance of scattered showers remains but the downpours are expected to stop by 9 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The sun is expected to reappear Friday with a forecast of partly sunny and a high near 56 degrees, according to the weather service.