Janice R. Andrews
Illinois’ Wilmington, January 27, 2024
A fast developing emergency has forced over a dozen Wilmington, Illinois homeowners to leave their homes as the Kankakee River’s water levels rise as a result of ice jams. Early on Friday morning, Will County officials claim that river levels rose abruptly by three feet in less than an hour, raising fears of catastrophic flooding from Wilmington to Phalen Acres.
The Will County Emergency Management Agency is keeping a careful eye on the situation because of the dangerous conditions caused by the choppy river waters and frozen impediments. A Flash Flood Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Chicago for the southwest part of Will County, highlighting the continuous elevated danger of flooding along the Kankakee River.
It is predicted that the river’s ice jam will completely melt on Friday, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. The Will County Emergency Management Agency has issued a warning, stating that the melting ice and runoff water are anticipated to cause erratic water flow, considerably increasing the risk.
Director of Wilmington Emergency Services & Disaster Agency Dennis Houseman highlighted the unpredictability of the situation by saying, “Right now, it’s a waiting game.” The only one who can predict the future is Mother Nature, and she isn’t speaking to us at the moment. We’ll make it through. One thing is for sure, though: it will go in June.”
Recognising Ice Jams and Their Risks:
Concerns are being raised along the Kankakee River by ice jams, which are created when ice cracks and becomes stuck downstream. They can cause backups and eventually cause floods when combined with faster river flow. Temperature variations, like the recent change from the arctic frost to milder weather, increase the likelihood of ice jams forming and flooding in nearby locations.
Tom Murray, the chief deputy director of the Will County Emergency Management Agency, emphasised the unpredictable nature of the situation and advised locals to keep themselves updated about river conditions and to have a strategy in place.
Effective Evacuations Despite Increasing Waters:
On both the north and south islands, downtown Wilmington experienced flash flooding on Thursday night. Reverse 911 was sent to homes by the Will County Emergency Management Agency alerting them to the need to evacuate due to rising water levels. After the deployment of water rescue teams, all island residents were safely evacuated. There are reportedly 14 people in a makeshift shelter who are safe.
The Will County Emergency Management Agency said, “Flooding in downtown Wilmington is currently isolated to the north and south islands.” “However, ice remains solid on the Kankakee River, and water levels are steadily increasing due to water runoff and melting ice.”
Bob Dobczyk, a local and owner of a vacation house beside the river, noticed some notable changes in the last week. “It came up crazy high, settled down, and now with things breaking up-river and down-river still packed, I think we’re in for some trouble yet,” Dobczyk stated to FOX 32. “When (the ice starts) jamming up again, the water’s got nowhere to go.”
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for potential ice jam flooding in waterways across the state in response to reports of ice jams on the Wabash River in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for six states as many American states prepare for the possibility of flooding. In the upcoming days, residents are advised to closely monitor Flood Warnings as adjacent houses may be at risk due to shifting ice.
