Flood Advisory For The Rock River In Winnebago County

 Narrative: The National Weather Service has issued a “FLOOD ADVISORY” for the Rock River, in effect until Thursday afternoon, January 6, 2011.  Ice jams have been developing in the Rock River near the 8500-9100 blocks of Shore Drive in Machesney Park.  We have been monitoring the river over the past several days and today, we saw it rise approximately two feet and fall slightly since this morning.  At 2:15 PM this afternoon, the stage was 7.3 feet—bankfull stage is 9.0 feet and flood stage is 10.0 feet. When ice jams do occur, the river can rise significantly in a very short period of time.  If residents along the river experience flooding, Winnebago County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) is making sand and sandbags available in the Michalsen Office Furniture parking lot at 8010 North Second Street, in Machesney Park; and at the Harlem Roscoe Fire Station #1 at 10544 Main Street in Roscoe. Winnebago County Sheriff’s personnel and ESDA will be closely monitoring the situation and in the event that significant flooding does occur, additional resources will be made available. Residents who observe changing conditions or who wish further information can call ESDA at 815-319-6215.