Heavy rains, severe weather cause rivers in Des Plaines and other suburbs to swell

The Chicago area has been inundated with heavy rain in recent days, and suburban communities are bracing for flooding with more on the way.

The entire Chicago area is at risk of severe weather on Friday, and residents in several suburbs, including Des Plaines, are keeping a nervous eye on the forecast as the Des Plaines River continues to swell.

According to the latest alerts from the National Weather Service, a flood warning has been issued for the river in Des Plaines, as well as in Lincolnshire and Russell.

As of the latest estimates the river in Des Plaines is at 15.8 feet, with the river expected to crest near 17 feet this weekend, threatening multiple roadways and communities in the area.

The Des Plaines Fire Station is taking precautions as they fill sandbags and test their water rescue gear ahead of more rain in the area.

Even the station itself, located along River Road, is currently protected by walls of sandbags.

“We want to be proactive rather than reactive,” Chief Matt Matzl said. “With the prediction of water and rainfall coming and the rising river, we want to be sure to protect our station and to have sandbags available for the public.”

Several of the river’s islands in downtown are already underwater, with the water rising on the shoreline near numerous downtown condos.

Water pumps have been working overtime to pump excess water into sewers, a necessary move as the river could crest near moderate flood stage this week.

Justin Tubero of Alliance Disaster Kleenup says people need to be careful if flood water gets into their basement.

“Even though flood waters have contaminants, the most important thing is making sure the area is safe to enter,” he said. “Electricity is something you need to be considering. The structural integrity of the area is something that needs to be considered.”

Residents also need to use caution if driving on wet streets, Matzl says.

“Even 12 inches of water, you could be washed away,” he said. “So if you think you could make it, you wouldn’t be wise to take a chance.”