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Kane OEM: Flash Flood Warning; Flood Watch; Waves of Storms Expected

About 4 inches of rain is expected April 17-19, so be aware of flooding in low-lying areas.

A Flash Flood Warning was added Wednesday afternoon to a Flood Watch in effect Wednesday, April 17, through Friday, April 19.

The National Weather Service in Chicago issued the flash flood warning a little after noon and put it in place until 6 p.m. In some places, storms were expected to produce an inch and a half of rain per hour.

Additional thunderstorms are expected all afternoon with 3 inches locally by early evening. Runoff will cause flash flooding.

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"DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY," the NWS says.

Several rounds of thunderstorms are expected to affect the region beginning Wednesday and carrying on for some time. The heaviest rains are expected Wednesday through Thursday night, the The National Weather Service-Chicago reports.

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"Previous rainfall over the past week or two has already moistened soils and caused significant rises in river levels across much of Northern Illinois," the NWS says. "And additional heavy rainfall over the next few days will likely result in areas of flooding.

About 4 inches total are expected in total.

Rainfall also could exceed the capacity of storm drains. People who live in low-lying areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action.

Kane County Office of Emergency Managagement

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when rapidly rising water poses an immediate threat to life and property. Don Bryant, director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management suggests the following tips:

  • Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, streams, drainage channels, and underpasses.
  • If confronted by flood waters seek higher ground.
  • Be ready to evacuate with your Go Bag.
  • If time allows, move essential items to upper floors.
  • Avoid electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • If you must leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Do not try to drive over a flooded road. Fast moving flood waters can wash you and your car away.
  • If you experience flooding in your area, and need assistance, call 911 immediately.

 

9 a.m. Wednesday

The National Weather Service-Chicago is reporting nickel-size hail in a storm heading northeast from Mendota at 8:19 a.m. Wednesday—plus a longer-term concern about flooding.

At 8:19 a.m., the NWS reported a strong thunderstorm with hail and winds greater than 40 mph, lightning and heavy downpours. Other areas affected include Waubonsee Community college and Northern Illinois University.

Small objects such as trash bins are going to get blown around. Heavy rainfall could add to poor visibility on roadways. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.

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