Fox River Freezes, Overflows Banks

East Dundee, Ill. - The frozen Fox River has overflowed its banks in East Dundee, forcing more than a dozen people to evacuate their homes.

Several days ago the river, clogged with ice, began to invade yards, turning them into icy lakes that will likely freeze solid in the days ahead.

It is something that people who live along the river expect, during the summer. But winter flooding is another, more serious problem.

"There's probably four families left, so you're either in or you’re out," said Dean Kaiser, who was using his four-wheel drive pickup truck to shuttle neighbors in and out.

His son Christian doesn't mind it so much when their neighborhood floods in the warmer months, "…but here, it's really bad in the winter, yesterday, right over there, I got frostbite," he said.

Earlier in the day, with the river on the rise again, the East Dundee Fire Department used a flat bottomed boat to help half a dozen trapped and frustrated families get out.

"Until emergency people came in to get us out, we would have been just stuck and just have to face whatever we're gonna have to face," said Greg Slovacek, who got out on the boat.

By nightfall the water had receded about a foot, making it possible for some people to get in and out.

At the entrance to the subdivision, a sign warned of water on the road. It should be changed to indicate ice instead.

Because the river remains unpredictable and the forecast is for more bitter cold temperatures , people here remain watchful and prepared.

"We all have our waders, and we all park our cars at the top of the lane and walk on in to the house, and things are nice and dry and cozy in the house," said Lidia Downs, who was staying in her house despite the flooding.

The Red Cross had been called in to help evacuees, but the fire department said everyone who left their homes had a place to stay.