Closure Of Rock River

NARRATIVE: Sheriff Richard A. Meyers is announcing that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved the closing of the entire Rock River within Winnebago County.  Last night, Southern Wisconsin received over 2 inches of rainfall, which is projected to cause the Rock River to rise over 2.3 feet by noon Saturday, back over flood stage.  DNR has taken this action due to the high water and hazardous river conditions this will create, and in agreement with the Sheriff’s recommendation.  These conditions increase the likelihood of problems for boaters, or other recreational users of the river, which results in exposing first responders to dangerous conditions should a rescue situation develop. Residents of the area are reminded that as the water rises, flooding may continue to occur in areas previously affected.  Any additional rainfall will greatly impact the water levels, as the ground is saturated, and any significant amounts of rain over the next several days will add runoff to the water levels. All public boat launches in Winnebago County have been barricaded.  Due to the flooding and recovery effort that is ongoing, the Sheriff=s Department Emergency Operation Center (E.O.C.) is open, as it has been since the threat for flooding began to develop.  Citizens are urged to call the E.O.C. at 815-319-6215 with any issues concerning the flooding or other river related problems.   For current river conditions, and any further updates, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888.