Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Lake County Streets, Homes

Lake County, Ind. - Lake County is attempting to recover from powerful storms that brought surges of lighting, thunder and heavy rains late Friday into early Saturday.

There were reports of flooding in not only streets, but in basements as a result of the storm.

In Winthrop Harbor, 6th Street and Cavin Avenue were among the many areas that experienced high waters and flooding. Some residents made use of the conditions and canoed through the neighborhood after 3.6 inches of rain fell.

Around 8:30a.m. Saturday, the Des Plaines River was at level of 7.79 feet and rising, according to information provided by the National Weather Service.

Currently, the National Weather Service is predicting the river to crest at 8.2 feet on Sunday.

The Des Plaines spilled over its banks at approximately 7 feet, and problems with roadway access along Emerald Avenue and Kilbourne Road occurred at approximately 8.5 feet.

There are no predictions of any significant precipitation over the next few days.

Waukegan also experienced some minor flooding in areas after being doused with 3.9 inches of rainfall.

However, Gurnee’s Department of Public Works has supplies on hand in the event sandbagging operations need to be implemented.

Officials are urging anyone with flooded basements to contact the Gurnee Communications Center at (847) 599-7000 to have the power disconnected prior to entering the basement.