DuPage Co. Expects to Activate Flood Control Facilities Thursday

DuPage County Stormwater Management is anticipating activation of the county’s flood control facilities Thursday based on forecasted precipitation.

The National Weather Service forecast predicts rainfall totals of up to 1 inch beginning late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Combined with melting snow, this precipitation is likely to raise river elevations enough to warrant operation of the county’s flood control facilities late Thursday afternoon. 

If forecasts are accurate, the mechanically operated facilities along Salt Creek are anticipated to remain in operation for 15 to 18 hours, with operating times slightly longer for the facilities along the West Branch DuPage River. 

River elevations are expected to reach a foot and a half above the trigger point for flood operations, which is a minor to moderate flood event for the area. 

While a large event is not currently anticipated, increased rainfall and more rapid snowmelt could contribute to higher elevations and longer operational times. In addition, residents should be advised localized flooding might occur with the predicted runoff potentially overwhelming storm sewers and drainage infrastructure.

Of the 16 flood control facilities DuPage County operates, four larger facilities have mechanical equipment allowing staff to control them according to a predetermined operating plan. 

The remaining facilities protect the surrounding areas from flooding without human intervention using fixed weirs and natural drainage systems. In total, the facilities have a floodwater storage capacity of nearly four billion gallons.

DuPage County Stormwater Management will monitor stream elevations throughout the event and provide updates as they become available.

Residents and other interested parties can view the DuPage County website above for more information about flood control facilities throughout the County, as well as view current rain and stream gages, forecasts and real-time pictures.

Source: DuPage County press release