Lake County Emergency Management Agency

10/01/2026

A corridor of torrential rainfall is expected to develop this afternoon and evening across northeastern IL into parts of northwestern IN. With saturated soils, this heavy rainfall may lead to Flash Flooding in and near the Watch area. Remember, if you see a flooded roadway, turn around, don’t drown!

09/30/2026

Waves of rain are expected through Thursday night. The rain may be heavy at times and could lead to localized flooding and rises on area rivers. Seasonably cool and dry conditions are then in store for the weekend into early next week.

09/28/2026

The high water levels on the Des Plaines River, Fox River and Chain O’Lakes in Lake County are nearing full recovery from the heavy rains two weeks ago. All waterways have peaked and are slowly lowering back to normal levels. The forecast for this week expects about an inch of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which could extend the time it takes for river levels to return to normal, but shouldn’t raise water levels substantially, if the forecast is accurate.

We’re continuing to monitor the situation and river levels. Additional updates will be shared later in the week.

The most recent updates for the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes area are available on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Fox River Stratton Operations Status Update webpage: https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

The most up to date flood information, including information about anticipated flood impacts, can be found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Information about the Gurnee area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/GUNI2
Information about the Lincolnshire area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/LDRI2
Information about the Chain O’Lakes: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/FLVI2

For further flood resource information, visit SMC’s Flood Response page: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349/Lake-County-SMC-Flood-Response

09/22/2026

High water levels along the Des Plaines River, Fox River and Chain O’Lakes areas in Lake County continue as stormwater is still draining throughout our watersheds and from Wisconsin. This week’s forecast anticipates dry weather, and this should help our waterways recover by the end of the week.

We’re closely monitoring the situation and river levels. Additional information and details will be shared as they’re available.

Des Plaines River Area
The northern part of the Des Plaines River near Russell Road has risen to reach Moderate Flood status and is expected to reach its peak today and begin receding tomorrow, Wednesday the 23rd.
In the Gurnee area, the river level is anticipated to reach Minor Flood status today and peak on Thursday the 24th before beginning to lower. The Lincolnshire area of the Des Plaines River is also forecasted to peak on Thursday but is not expected to reach flood status.

Fox River & Chain O’Lakes Area
The forecast for the Fox River hasn’t changed significantly since yesterday. In southern Wisconsin near New Munster the Fox River is in Minor Flood status, but the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes area in Illinois is not expected to reach flood status. Water levels will rise and are anticipated to peak on Thursday the 24th but should begin receding soon after.

The most up to date flood information, including information about anticipated flood impacts, can be found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Information about the Gurnee area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/GUNI2
Information about the Lincolnshire area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/LDRI2
Information about the Chain O’Lakes: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/FLVI2

For further flood resource information, visit SMC’s Flood Response page: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349/Lake-County-SMC-Flood-Response

09/21/2026

After the last week of rainy weather, it has created HIGH water levels in the Des Plaines River, Fox River and Chain O’Lakes areas in Lake County. The county averaged about 2.7 inches of rain last weekend.

With relatively dry weather expected this week, waterways should recover and recede back to normal levels towards the end of this week, as stormwater continues to drain throughout watersheds and from Wisconsin.

We’re closely monitoring the situation and river levels. Additional information and details will be shared as they’re available.

Des Plaines River Area
The Des Plaines River entered Minor Flood status on Sunday the 20th and is expected to reach its peak near Russell Road on Tuesday the 22nd and begin receding on Wednesday the 23rd. In the Gurnee area, the river level should increase until Wednesday and then begin lowering Thursday. The Lincolnshire area of the Des Plaines River is forecast to peak on Wednesday and is not forecasted to reach flood status.

The Des Plaines River is not expected to reach higher than Minor Flood status in these areas.

Fox River & Chain O’Lakes Area
The Fox River is in Minor Flood status in southern Wisconsin near New Munster, but the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes area in Illinois is not expected to reach flood status. Water levels will rise and anticipated to peak on Thursday the 24th but should begin receding soon after.

The most up to date flood information, including information about anticipated flood impacts, can be found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Information about the Gurnee area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/GUNI2
Information about the Lincolnshire area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/LDRI2
Information about the Chain O’Lakes: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/FLVI2

For further flood resource information, visit SMC’s Flood Response page: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349/Lake-County-SMC-Flood-Response

09/19/2026

Heavy rain can bring flash flooding this weekend as there is a a Flood Watch in effect in Lake County. Stay safe out there and stay weather ready Lake County!

9pm: The potential exists for significant rainfall tonight into tomorrow morning across northern Illinois. The heaviest rain should occur along and north of I-80. Flash flooding may be a result as storms train. We will update this later this afternoon. The heaviest rain should move east around mid morning tomorrow with lingering showers and t-storms continuing into tomorrow afternoon.

08/11/2026

Severe weather is expected in Lake County today. Stay safe and weather ready today!

[7:37 AM CDT Tuesday 8/11/2026]

A cluster of fast moving severe thunderstorms will move across the area this morning. The image shows the approximate timing of these storms. Wind gusts in excess of 75 mph will be the main threat with the storms.

07/19/2026

06/12/2026

Stay clear of flooded roadways!

06/11/2026

A Tornado Watch has been issued for Lake County until 9 pm tonight. This means the current weather conditions are favorable to producing tornadoes.

This particular scenario is complex and has the right ingredients to produce strong tornadoes (EF2+) and large hail. The threat of widespread severe/damaging winds will increase through the afternoon and evening. Peak gusts may reach up to 70-80 mph.

Everyone needs to keep an eye on the weather today and have multiple ways to receive alerts. Our team at the Lake County Emergency Management Agency and our volunteers will be monitoring diligently and coordinating with our partners throughout the night.

Further updates can be found through the US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois