Flooding expected on the Pecatonica River

From the Stephenson County Emergency Management:










Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency using data from the National Weather Service is making this Public Service Announcement.

 FLOOD STATEMENT

 Update 1000 Hours

 Winslow

The Pecatonica River level at Martintown, WI was 13.24 feet as of 0900 Hours.  The flood stage is 13.5 feet. The river is expected to crest near or at 16.0 feet on Thursday the 27^th.    We are not anticipating major road closures at this time in the village.  This crest prediction takes into account anticipated rainfall for the next 24 hours.

Freeport

The Pecatonica River level at Freeport was at 11.78 feet at 0930 Hours. Flood stage is 13.00 feet.   The National Weather Service forecast a crest of 14.10 for Saturday the 29^th.  Once the crest is reached the river will remain near the 14.0 foot level for several days and then start a slow fall to below flood stage in the several days.   Freeport Streets located off of IL Rt. 75 East from Henderson St to the east will be impacted with water.  Also, the intersection of Van Buren and Lancaster Road, just north of Freeport.

 County Roads

There are no current road closures.

 Current road closures in Stephenson County can be found on the EMA website at www.stcoema.org.

 Drivers should still be alert for water on the roadway near streams and low lying areas. Drivers are advised to turn around and …don’t drown.  It only takes two feet of water to float most vehicles…including sport utility vehicles. 

 

Impending Weather System

The National Weather Service is forecasting periods of thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall, with the possibility of severe thunderstorms capable of producing winds up to 70 mph and large hail for late this afternoon and evening.  The forecast through Wednesday evening is continued rounds of thunderstorms with an additional rain of up to 2 inches.  This will have minimal impact on area waterways for flooding but flash flooding is possible as thunderstorms move over the area.

 Contact Points

Persons living within the City of Freeport should call 815-235-8222, the Freeport Police Department, with questions.

 Persons living outside the City of Freeport should call 815-235-8252, the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Agency, or the Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency at 815-599-0344 with questions. Those individuals with internet access can go to www.stcoema.org for further information.

Additional statements will be issued if conditions warrant.


Here are the current river levels and projected river rises through the weekend:

Rock River at Latham Park

Rock River at Rockford

Rock River at Rockton



Pecatonica River at Freeport

Rock River at Byron

Rock River at Dixon