Update: City Monitoring Local Flooding
The National Weather Service has canceled flash flood advisories for Lake County, IL. No additional precipitation is forecast for Lake County in the foreseeable future. The river levels are expected to continue rising over the weekend as additional water makes its way downstream from precipitation in Wisconsin, and as water from flooded roads and yards makes its way back to the rivers. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is maintaining red flood status, meaning major flooding is continuing in Lake County. Lake County has declared a State of Emergency based on the severe flooding. The proclamation was sent to Governor Rauner and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and would authorize state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of this emergency situation. It could also provide assistance to the county in the form of financial, personnel, services, logistical, and technical assistance. Residents are encouraged to keep all photo documentation and receipts. City staff are monitoring the situation regularly. If individuals need assistance exiting their home, please call the City's non-emergency number at 847.432.7730. If emergency assistance is needed, please dial 911. For regular updates, please monitor the city website at www.cityhpil.com.
How Do I Dispose of Items Damaged by the Flood?
If you have items that need to be removed due to flood damage, please call Lakeshore Recycling at 773.685.8811 to schedule a free pickup on one of the following days, July 19, July 26, or August 2. If you require a dumpster, please call LRS for pricing. No yard waste, electronics or white goods are included in the free pickup.
If you have already scheduled a pickup, the free pricing will be honored.
Why Did We Flood?
Lake County communities have experienced more than 4 inches of rain in a short duration, with larger rainfall totals upstream along the Skokie River. Yesterday's flooding results from the amount of rainfall that fell on the Skokie River watershed. As the Skokie River rises it reduces the water carrying capacity of the entire storm sewer system - it causes the streets to flood. It is simply too much rain in too short a time. Now that the river is elevated, additional rain will have an intensified effect.
What is Being Done to Address the Flooding?
Public Works crews in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments have been addressing resident calls, clearing inlets, conducting traffic control, and addressing public safety concerns including helping people from their homes and tree removal. With the Skokie River over-topping and low-lying areas in the community under water, all storm sewers are surcharged. Staff has issued four communication alerts via our electronic newsletter, posted on social media, issued an automated notification and are updating our website regularly with storm recovery efforts, which include ComEd, North Shore Gas, and Lake County Health recommendations. City staff is on call to address resident needs, and we have Public Works crews working around-the-clock, which will continue through the flooding event.
Sandbags Available
Sandbags are now available at the Highland Park Recycling Center, 1180 Half Day Road, on a first come, first served basis in the parking lot immediately north of the gate. Sandbags can be picked up anytime.
Major Street Closures Update
Lake Cook Road by Red Oak Lane at Northbrook Court
Red Oak Lane between Magnolia Lane and Lake Cook Road
Park Avenue West between Rt. 41 and Beverly Place
Briargate Drive
Tanglewood Court
Taylor Avenue
Trail Way between Eaton Court and Parkside Drive
For updated road conditions, please visit Lake County PASSAGE at www.lakecountypassage.com.
ComEd Outages Update
Power has been fully restored to Highland Park. Report outages to ComEd at 800.334.7661.