Fox River Still High, More Rain On The Way: Report

GURNEE, IL — For the second weekend in a row, flood warnings remain in effect for rivers in the Chicago area. Water remains high along the Des Plaines and Fox rivers as of early Friday.

The brimming rivers, under the current conditions, are expected to continue to recede through the weekend. But with significant rainfall in the forecast that might not happen.

The National Weather Service is predicting as much as two to three inches of additional rainfall and a sharp rise in river levels as well as the possibility for lowland flooding. The rain is expected to start late Saturday and continue into Sunday morning.

Which means already hard hit areas, including the Des Plaines and Fox rivers and Fox River basins, could see renewed problems. Last Friday, firefighters rushed to rescue stranded residents in Waukegan after floodwaters inundated the area. Throughout the county, several feet of water stood on roadways. The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire evacuated its resort and cancelled performances due to flooding with shows of Something Rotten not resuming until Wednesday, according to theater officials.

As of Thursday night, the Des Plaines River in Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Russell and near Des Plaines was still above flood stage. Flood warnings in those towns could expire over the weekend, or on Monday for the river in Gurnee, if there is no new rainfall.

In Algonquin, the Fox River remained about two feet above flood stage with moderate flooding occurring and minor flooding in the forecast. The Fox River remained closed to recreational boating.

More via the National Weather Service

MORE ON PATCH

• Flooded Roads, Rising Rivers, Flood Warning Issued
• Flash Flooding Closes Roads In Lake Forest, Lake Bluff
• Caution Urged as Rivers Rise: Theater Evacuated, Schools Closed
• Area Apple Orchards Will Not Open After Tough Winter, Spring