Sheriff's Office Response To Flooding & River Restrictions

 NARRATIVE:The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring river levels throughout the County and we are now experiencing flooding conditions.  Recent heavy rains have caused significant increases in the water levels in the past several days.  Based upon current weather and river level predictions, it appears that the Rock River at Latham will reach its peak around noon on Saturday, April 20, 2013, of 13 feet, which is three feet over flood stage, but a little over a foot less than what was experienced in 2008. To address flooding issues, informational flyers have been distributed to residents in the affected areas.  Barricades have been placed in some areas where water levels have risen to cover the roadways, closing the roads. A response plan has been coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, along with Winnebago County; Winnebago County Health Department; the Village of Machesney Park; and North Park, Harlem-Roscoe, Blackhawk, and New Milford Fire Departments. Sand and sandbags are still available at:

• Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station #1—10544 Main St., Roscoe, IL
• Schoonmaker Park—10500 Ventura Blvd., Machesney Park, IL
• Michalsen Office Furniture parking lot—8010 N. 2^nd St., Machesney Park, IL
• New Milford Fire Station—2177 Will James Rd., New Milford, IL

 Residents affected most by the flooding include homes along:  Edgemere Terrace; Ventura Boulevard; Shore Drive; and Blackhawk Island.  Additionally, the Red Cross has set up a shelter at Hilltop Ministries Center, 8301 Mitchell Road in Machesney Park for any victims of the flooding.  Any flood victims in need of shelter may report directly to this facility for assistance. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the weather and river conditions for the next several days and make any adjustments to our response as needed for any changing conditions.  In addition, the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will 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.  As the flood waters recede, we will begin the recovery phase and planning is already underway to address those efforts.  Though the current weather conditions are not conducive to outdoor boating activities, the Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and they have designated the Rock River and the Kishwaukee River in Winnebago County restricted boating areas.  That 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.       

   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.