7-mile ice jam forms in Kankakee River

A 7-mile ice jam in the Kankakee River has Wilmington emergency responders concerned about flash flooding.

Because of the extreme cold this week, an ice jam stretching east and west of Interstate 55 has formed, and some low-lying areas are already seeing flooding, Wilmington police said in a news release early Friday morning. The ice flow was almost up to the bottom of the I-55 bridge, according to the release.

Rain and rising temperatures could also exacerbate the situation. The threat will remain in effect until the ice has moved downstream, which might take several days, according to a post on the Will County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Wilmington city services met Thursday morning to discuss contingency plans for a possible flood event.

First Responders from Wilmington’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, the fire protection district and police department also went door to door earlier this week to advise residents of the river conditions. Authorities encouraged them to be prepared to evacuate with short notice, if necessary.

The sheriff’s office advised potentially affected residents to move any valuable items to a safe place; have a full tank of gas; pack a kit that includes medications, warm clothes, important documents and insurance information; and not leave pets behind.

The water is extremely cold, and any exposure can be deadly, according to the post. Any residents who see the water rising to their homes should leave immediately. Call 911 to report any dangerous or concerning water levels.

Officials will monitor the river and are prepared to respond.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, is also working with Exelon and the Will County Emergency Management Agency to help control the jam by diverting water from the Dresden Nuclear Power Station’s cooling pond into the river.

“Temperature changes due to the discharge will have no anticipated impact on aquatic life,” according to a news release from the IEPA.