Flood Worries Persist In Lake County With More Rain On Sunday
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (CBS) --Hundreds of homes in the north suburbs remained at risk of flooding late Sunday.
Areas with swollen rivers also remained under a flood warning.
As CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reported, hundreds were on alert late Sunday, keeping an eye on flood warnings, water damage, and other dangers. It had turned out to be as bad as some initially feared, but the worst was not over.
County workers late Sunday said the floodwaters might start showing improvement in only a matter of hours. And the bulk of the rain Saturday night into Sunday morning never quite surfaced in some of the flooding areas.
Nonetheless, the Des Plaines River continued to swell and inspire anxiety in Lincolnshire. That was the result of heavy rains last week that spilled into yards, properties, and nearby roadways.
Lake County said up to about 100 properties, both homes and businesses, continued to be at risk of water damage Sunday.
On Friday, the Marriott Hotel in Lincolnshire was evacuated in an abundance of caution because of rising waters. The drive to the hotel remained closed Sunday.
A handful of other roadways have also been closed off in Lincolnshire and Gurnee for safety reasons.
Lake County anticipated Sunday that the Des Plaines River will continue to flood, and will then recede on Monday.
Neighbors said they have seen worse in the past. But many in the area are concerned in the present that the worst might not be over yet.
"It makes me a little bit uncomfortable, because the water is treacherous, and it always finds its way to create a path," said neighbor Margie Grabowska.
Grabowska said there was no danger to her home personally, and her family's cars were parked higher up on the street.
"It's just that when this is over, we're definitely going to be breathing a little easier," she said.
Carlos Orihuela had to wear water boots to show CBS 2 the backyard he now calls "Carlos island."
His home was not completely surrounded by water, and the inside stayed dry. In years past, he said the damage has run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This time, he is protecting his basement.
"I sealed it all up, and I had this raised a little bit too," Orihuela said.
And while neighbors such as Orihuela said they have seen worse in the past, many are concerned the near-term future could include more damage.
"We get one more rainfall and that's it. We're done," Orihuela said. "So I'm praying and hoping the rain doesn't come this week."
Lake County added that the hundreds of properties near the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes all continue to be at risk. That will be the case for several days.
There is some good news. CBS 2 Meteorologist Robb Ellis said the rain will not be coming again in the next several days.
Still, the Des Plaines and Fox rivers are swelling and are not expected to crest until late Monday or early Tuesday. Thus, some flood warnings along the rivers will be in place as late as 3 p.m. Friday.
