Lake County Emergency Management Agency

05/06/2026

Although floodwaters may be gone, please see the info below from Lake County, IL Government for safety and debris removal from the recent floods.

When floodwater reaches your property, it often leaves behind more than damage. Floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria and contaminants, while also creating the perfect conditions for mold growth. As cleanup continues across Lake County, here’s what to keep in mind:

04/29/2026

Please see the message from Lake County, IL Government for damage assessment due to recent flooding in Lake County.

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) has lowered its current Flood Threat Alert Status from Red to Orange. This signals that the county is no longer experiencing major flooding.

The county averaged just over half an inch of rain from yesterday’s storms. This should only have a minimal impact on current flood levels. There is potential light rain in the forecast for tonight, but the rest of the week is expected to be dry. This should help the high river levels start to recover and lower.

We’re still monitoring river levels and will continue to provide updates and details as they’re available.

Portions of the Upper Fox River and Chain O’Lakes have dropped into Minor Flood status, while some areas remain in a Moderate Flood. The Lower Fox River in the Barrington area is in Moderate Flood status. With limited rain in the forecast, the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes should begin slowly lowering, but could remain high for another week or two.

There continues to be a threat of flood impacts to businesses and properties in these areas. Please stay alert if you’re located in a flood-prone area.

The Fox River Status Report is available to review:https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/waterresources/documents/Fox%20River%20Status%20Update%2004-27-26.pdf

The most up to date flood information, including information about anticipated flood impacts, can be found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
Information about the Chain O’Lakes: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/FLVI2
Information about the Barrington area: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/MHYI2 and https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/AFBI2

For further flood resource information, visit SMC’s Flood Response page: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349/Lake-County-SMC-Flood-Response

04/24/2026

We 💙 our volunteers! In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we wanted to take a moment to recognize our amazing EMA volunteers for all they do in blue sky days, gray sky days, and every day in between! LCEMA is lucky to have such amazing volunteers! Thank you for all you do!

04/22/2026

In response to current flooding, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission continues to collaborate with partners and monitor the situation. The Lake County SMC Flood Response and resources webpage is available at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349

In response to current flooding in Lake County, SMC created the Flood Response page on our website. This will assist residents with link resources to stay informed. It includes information about our current flood threat level, numerous links to current flooding information and forecasts, guidance on who to contact about flooding concerns, plus additional resources for flood preparedness and more.

SMC is continuing to collaborate with partners and monitor the situation. The webpage is available now: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5349/Lake-County-SMC-Flood-Response

04/21/2026

Stay safe near flooded roadways- “Turn around, don’t drown”. Visit www.lakecounty.il/gov/2228 for more safety & preparation tips.

04/18/2026

Last night’s rainfall has increased flooding impacts across Lake County, especially along the Des Plaines River, Fox River and Chain O’Lakes. Nearly 2 inches of rain in some areas has worsened already saturated conditions, with water levels continuing to rise.

Current impacts:
• Flooding along the Des Plaines River (including south of Townline Rd. and Gurnee), with additional flooding expected north of Townline Rd. River levels are expected to peak between Saturday and Sunday before slowly receding.
• Ongoing concerns along the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes, with impacts likely into next week. Areas near downtown Fox Lake may see additional flooding.
• Some roads remain impacted. Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!

While clearer weather is expected next week, flooding can still occur where ground conditions can’t absorb rainfall. Stay alert, especially in flood-prone areas.

Lake County is continuing to monitor conditions and coordinate response efforts.

Learn more and view flood safety resources at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ILLAKE/bulletins/41388b6

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

[Posted: 2:34 PM CDT Tues April 14, 2026]

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin until 10 PM CDT

04/14/2026

A couple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected today. Round 1 will mainly impact areas south of I-80 where large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. The second round will impact most of the area and will contain a threat for all severe hazards including tornadoes, especially north of a Dixon to Highland Park line. Keep a close eye on the weather today!

04/14/2026

There remains the potential for severe weather later today across the region (Threat Level 2 and 3 of 5). Confidence in whether storms develop or move into the area prior to late evening here locally remains low. However, if they do, conditions are favorable for them to quickly become severe with all hazards possible! The highest tornado and destructive hail threat remains across far northern Illinois (north of black dashed line). Additional storms are then expected through the overnight hours. Have multiple ways to receive warning information, including ways to wake you up at night!