"The Worst is Yet to Come"

     NOAA forecasters are warning, "The worst is yet to come." And no, they aren't talking about the NCAA basketball Final Four teams or Lindsay Lohan's newest addiction, they are talking about flooding. Nearly half of the United States has an above average risk for flooding over the next couple weeks. Even though we may not be in the "High Risk" area for flooding, we aren't far from it. Cities like Rock Island and Davenport have a greater than 95% chance of major flooding.
     The picture to the left, shows the current snow cover in the U.S. With the warmer temperatures forecasted for this week, the snow may not be there long. With the snow melting, this will cause major flooding in South Dakota and minor flooding on the Mississippi River. Along with warm temperatures forecasted, there are a series of storm systems expected as well. Whichever the precipitation type may be, rain or snow, it will only add to the amount that is already on the ground. Because of these ongoing systems, major flooding will continue to be a threat throughout the rest of the season.
     Specifically along the state line, the Rock River and the Pecatonica River are no longer under flood advisories. However, the Rock River at Rockton is at a "near flood stage." Just to our east, there is a flood warning for the Fox River at Algonquin that is affecting McHenry and Kane County. A flood advisory is also in continuation for the Fox River at Montgomery for Kane and Kendall County.
     Well some may wonder, why do we continue to babble about these floods? Not only is it important to our area this season, National Flood Safety Awareness Week was recently held. We want to continue to raise awareness over the ongoing flooding. When people come across the question of what is number one weather-related killer, flooding probably does not make the top three. On the contrary, flooding IS the deadliest weather phenomena and on average, it claims 100 lives per year. During recent years, flooding has caused billions of dollars in damage each year. They are among the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. The National Weather Service is reminding people that if you encounter a flooded roadway on foot or in a vehicle, Turn Around, Don't Drown.


NWS Chicago
NOAA Spring Flooding Article
Flood Safety Awareness Week Link