WILMINGTON, IL – The National Weather Service has placed the Wilmington area under a flash flood watch through January 22nd due to the threat of escalating river levels from persistent ice jams.
The situation, already critical with the Kankakee River’s significant rise, could deteriorate further with the freezing temperatures facilitating more ice blockages. The forecasted conditions have prompted warnings of potential flash flooding, particularly in areas along the river where residents have been evacuated, such as the Phelan Acres subdivision.
Emergency services have been conducting rescue operations, with a recent incident involving a man saved from his flooded home by the Wilmington fire department. Other areas facing the brunt of this natural calamity include Wilmington’s neighboring communities along Blodgett Road, where waters have already overflown, and locations near the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ice jams.
Residents of these areas are advised to remain vigilant, keep abreast of the latest weather service updates, and prepare for immediate evacuation if necessary. The local authorities emphasize that anyone needing evacuation assistance should not hesitate to contact 9-1-1. With the river already over 12 feet and climbing, the region is on high alert for more flooding incidents as the freeze continues.
