PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (IL) From a Drought to a Flood

Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2012 09:29:18 EDT

Summary: The storm track of Isaac is providing significant relief to areas in Illinois that have been suffering from the Drought of 2012.

Summary of Event Impact:
The USGS IL WSC continues to closely monitor the hydrologic drought conditions in the State of Illinois.

Hydrologic Conditions: Drought conditions throughout Illinois are enjoying significant relief as a result of Isaac's storm track. Lowflow measurements were made at streamgages with zero flows being observed at many locations over the last two months. Since July 1, over 200 lowflow discharge measurements were made during non-routine field trips, with several additional measurements made during seepage runs. With the heavy rains Friday evening and predicted for this weekend, those low-flow crews are now on stand-by waiting to see if the resulting streamflows require a Holiday weekend response.

Eleven IL WSC field staff are on-call, ready to respond if needed. Three IL WSC office staff are also on-call if IT issues arise. The IL WSC Data Chief is overseeing the IL WSC response over the weekend.

Communications and outreach: An email to all major stakeholders and cooperators was sent informing them that USGS stands ready to respond and how they can request assistance. Numerous data inquiries have been answered regarding the ongoing drought conditions. Several IL WSC staff have been interviewed by the media concerning low streamflows, decreasing groundwater levels and water-quality conditions. With the ongoing Isaac Event and the prediction of rain, the drought inquiries have decreased this week, now replaced by inquiries about potential flooding.




Custom Google Map product of Illinois raingages


Sub-Region: Midwest; Region: Central United States