With dangerously cold temperatures still affecting the Chicago area, Will County officials have warned residents along the Kankakee River that flash flood conditions could persist through the week as ice jams have caused a rapid rise in water levels.
Officials said flooding in unincorporated Will County along the river has continued since developing Monday morning, with residents in both Will and Grundy counties under a flash flood watch.
Freezing temperatures in the area are expected to persist until Monday, Jan. 22, leaving the possibility for more ice jams to develop.
Will County officials said the following areas are currently impacted by flash flooding:
- Phelan Acres Subdivision
- Cottage Road
- Kelly & Phillips Road
- Whalen Place
- Blodgett Road
- Macintosh Acres (Grundy County)
Officials say an ice jam has formed near Phelan Acres, a subdivision in Wilmington. Flooding is expected in that area, and could also impact Bardwell Island, located just to the west of Interstate 55.
Water backing up from that ice jam could impact Wilmington and the Lakewood Shores area in coming hours, with residents urged to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their homes.
Local
“Almost all area rivers’ are expected to see rapid ice formation in coming days because of the rapid cooling of temperatures associated with the weekend’s winter storm. While water levels remained above the freezing mark prior to the storm, the continued frigid air temperatures have caused ice to quickly form on rivers, especially along the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
Topographic features in rivers, whether they be changing depths, large bridges or the meandering turns the river takes, can cause ice jams to form in such situations, causing flooding upstream from the jams.
Once weather warms, downstream flooding is also possible.
Officials say that the flood warning is expected to last for at least a week, with temperatures not rising above freezing until at least Monday or Tuesday.
Residents are warned of rapidly changing river conditions in the coming week, and are advised to stay alert and away from the river.
A wind chill warning is in effect for many counties this week, with temperatures once again expected to dip into the single-digits on Friday after a brief warm-up on Wednesday and Thursday.
