Lawrenceville, IL – Minor flooding continues along the Embarras River in Lawrenceville, prompting an ongoing federal flood warning.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Embarras River at Lawrenceville until Tuesday morning as water levels remain above flood stage and are expected to rise further.
River gauges recorded the Embarras River at 31.3 feet at 1:45 p.m. CST Friday, already exceeding the 30-foot flood stage. Forecasters expect the river to continue rising, reaching a projected crest near 32.3 feet Saturday evening before slowly receding.
The river is expected to remain above flood stage through Monday, with levels forecast near 32.2 feet Saturday afternoon, 32.1 feet Sunday, and 31.0 feet Monday before dropping below flood stage early Tuesday.
Minor flooding impacts have already been reported in the area. The National Weather Service said that Kelly’s Lake Lane (1160N) becomes inundated when river levels reach about 33 feet, placing nearby low-lying areas under increasing risk if water levels rise slightly higher than expected.
Officials also issued a reminder to drivers as water covers some low areas near the river.
“Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive through flooded roadways,” the National Weather Service warned, noting that floodwaters can hide road damage and pose serious safety risks.
Flood warnings are issued when river levels exceed established flood thresholds based on rainfall, soil moisture conditions, and upstream water flow.
While the flooding is currently categorized as minor, residents in flood-prone areas near the river are encouraged to monitor forecasts and river gauge updates through the weekend.
Students, commuters, and workers traveling near low-lying rural roads around Lawrenceville may encounter localized closures if water spreads toward nearby roadways.
More information and river updates are available at weather.gov.
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