Sheriff's Office Response To Flooding, Recovery, And River Restrictions

 NARRATIVE:The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring river levels throughout the County and we continue to experience moderate flood conditions.  Though rivers in the area are beginning to recede, they remain well above flood stage.  The Rock River at Latham is at 12.68 as of 1:00 PM today, with a flood stage of 10 feet. Officials met today to address the recovery efforts and are implementing that portion of the operation.  A response and recovery plan has been coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, along with Winnebago County; Winnebago County Health Department; the Village of Machesney Park; City of Rockford; and North Park, Harlem-Roscoe, Blackhawk, and New Milford Fire Departments. Officials will begin to assess the damage from the floods as soon as it is safe and practical to gain access to the flooded areas to collect the information needed for this process.  The Winnebago County Health Department has provided information which will be distributed by officials to the affected flood areas as access is regained to those areas.  Drinking water will be available for distribution to those victims of the flooding who are in need due to contamination concerns.  Residents affected by the floods will be able to obtain drinking water beginning tomorrow, 4/24/13, at the following locations: 

• Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station #1—10544 Main St., Roscoe, IL
• Machesney Park Village Hall—300 Roosevelt Rd., Machesney Park, IL
• New Milford Fire Station—2177 Will James Rd., New Milford, IL

 The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the weather and river conditions for the next several days and make any adjustments to our plan as needed for any changing conditions.  In addition, the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will continue to be staffed and personnel will be available for any issues 24 hours a day.  You may call 815-319-6215 with any concerns regarding flooding.  The Rock River and the Kishwaukee River in Winnebago County remain as restricted boating areas as designated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  This means that these waters are closed for use and any activity is prohibited.   All public boat launches have been closed throughout Winnebago County due to this restriction.  We remain in contact with State of Illinois officials.  Local officials will pass along any other information as it may become available regarding other assistance and plans going forward.  At this time, there is nothing further affected residents would need to do regarding damage assessments other than communicate with appropriate insurance representatives.      

   Other rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the County have also been affected by the flooding; however most of those areas do not threaten homes.  Motorists are also reminded that they should not drive through standing flood water.  If they encounter an obstruction due to the water, they should turn around and proceed in a different direction rather than take a risk at driving forward. 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.  You may also visit the Sheriff's Department's website at http://www.winnebagosheriff.com.