Will County issues evacuation notice to Wilmington residents as flood waters rise

On Thursday evening flooding occurred suddenly on the North and South Islands due to rapidly increasing water levels on the Kankakee River in Wilmington, the Will County Emergency Management Agency said in a news release Friday morning.

Will County EMA issued a mass notification message to residents, advising them of the rising water levels and the need to evacuate. Water rescue teams were deployed, and 14 individuals were successfully evacuated to a temporary shelter opened by Wilmington ESDA, according to the release.

Flooding in downtown Wilmington currently is 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, according to the release.

The ice jam on the river has not fully broken and there is the potential for flooding throughout the day as ice begins breaking apart at a rapid pace, according to the Will County EMA.

The area remains under a Flash Flood Warning and residents should be prepared to take action, including evacuation, if necessary.

Residents and commuters should be aware that Route 53, between 102 and 1st St. will be closed until further notice, according to the release. The North and South Islands remain closed to the public.

These flood conditions will be created by the imminent break-up of the Kankakee River ice jam as warmer weather enters the area.

“We’re advising residents along the river to be aware of the increased flood conditions and to be prepared to rapidly take action, if necessary,” Will County Emergency Management Agency Director Allison Anderson said in a news release. “Will County EMA is deploying ice spotters to monitor conditions and is coordinating with local officials on a response if flooding occurs.”

A flash flood warning means that rapid-onset of flooding is imminent, with an increased possibility of flooding to structures and roadways.

Flash floods occur rapidly and without warning, and residents in low-lying areas near the river should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. When directed to evacuate, never drive through flooded roads. Move to higher ground and call 911 if trapped in a building or vehicle.

“Please do not take unnecessary risks if surrounded by rising flood waters, either in your home or vehicle,” Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant said in a news release. “Call 911 immediately for assistance. All local emergency agencies are on alert and are working to safeguard residents in communities around the river.”

The Will County EMA will utilize a reverse 911 system if evacuation orders are issued. Residents can also receive real-time alerts from the Ready Will County phone application.

To receive real-time emergency alerts from Will County EMA, please visit www.willcountyema.org/signup.