Braidwood, IL – The Flood Warning for the Kankakee River, which was due to expire today, has now been extended until Monday, January 29.
The decision comes as the river, affected by an ice jam, continues to pose a flooding threat to areas in Grundy and Will counties. As of 12:45 pm on Monday, the river’s level was recorded at 10 feet, maintaining a consistent height. This ongoing situation has been critical since the last time the river was below flood stage, which was on January 15th.
The extended warning covers the river from near the Grundy-Will county line to Kankakee River State Park, with communities like Wilmington, Lakewood Shores, and Custer Park particularly at risk.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, as the ice jam can lead to sudden shifts in water levels, potentially inundating roads, yards, and low-lying areas, and causing structural damages.
The latest information and safety precautions can be found at http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood. The public should continue to follow updates and heed all safety warnings.