PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (IL) Flooding in IL

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:11:53 EDT

Summary: Flooding in IL

The heavy rains last week produced record flooding throughout IL. At least 13 long-term streamgages reached new peaks of record. Most streams are now receeding, and within IL only the upper Fox River and lower IL River are still flooding. However, many streamgages on border rivers (the Wabash and Mississippi Rivers) are still in the "Major Flooding" category according to the NWS.

USGS made 75 measurements during the event. Seventeen of those measurements were the highest measurements ever made at the respective streamgages, and 52 were in the top 5. The measurements were critical for the NWS, the Corps, the State of IL DNR Office of Water Resources, and other emergency management officials as they decided how and where to deploy their resources.

The flood is wrapping up in IL, and this may be the last Project Alert notice from IL for this event. We still have two crews out measuring the lower IL River today as the crest moves through IL and into the Mississippi River. A CBS News team met one IL WSC crew at a streamgage yesterday, and that is expected to air tonight on the CBS National News.

Thanks to MO WSC and IN WSC for thier assistance on this event, and thanks to the National Flood Coordinator for his help. Most of all, thanks to the Field Technicians who toiled and delivered under adverse conditions, long hours, and unreasonable/implausible requests.


Sub-Region: Midwest; Region: Central United States