PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (IA IL) Flooding in northern Illinois and northeast Iowa

Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2017 10:14:26 EDT

Summary: USGS crews deploy to flooding areas in northern Illinois and northeast Iowa.

Widespread heavy rain fell in northern Illinois and northeast Iowa over the last 24 hours, with some areas receiving 8 inches of rain according the National Weather Service (NWS) estimates (https://water.weather.gov/precip/index.php). River basins affected include the Fox River, Des Plaines River, and several small watersheds in northern Illinois; and the Wapsipinicon and Volga Rivers in northeastern Iowa. Levels are approaching near record levels or levels not observed in several years. 20 USGS streamgages in Illinois are above the NWS flood stage and 5 USGS streamgages in Iowa are above the NWS flood stage.

Three two-person USGS crews have deployed in Illinois and two two-person USGS crews have been deployed in Iowa to make discharge measurements and ensure proper streamgage operation. All streamgages in the affected area appear to be functioning. Three USGS staff members are serving as office points-of-contact. Information is being conveyed to the NWS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other emergency mangers, primarily through NWSChat.