Rockford, Illinois – Rivers across northern Illinois are rising quickly, with multiple waterways expected to cross flood stage by tonight, threatening roads, campgrounds, and low-lying properties through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Flood Warnings are now in effect for the Pecatonica, Kishwaukee, and Rock Rivers, with water levels climbing due to recent rainfall and upstream runoff. The Pecatonica River near Shirland is expected to rise above its 12-foot flood stage late this evening, reaching around 13 feet by Saturday, flooding portions of the Winnebago County Fairgrounds and Rivers Edge Campground.
The Kishwaukee River near Perryville has already reached 11.7 feet and is forecast to crest near 13.5 feet by Friday, putting roads near Blackhawk Valley Campground south of Rockford at risk. Meanwhile, the Rock River at Byron is expected to reach moderate flood stage, climbing to around 14 feet by Saturday. At that level, numerous low-lying structures downstream could take on water.
Residents near rivers should move equipment and valuables to higher ground now and avoid flooded roadways, especially overnight when visibility is low. Officials warn that river levels will continue rising into Saturday, and additional updates or extended warnings are likely as runoff continues to move through the region.
