Friday, July 29, 2016
DuPage County Stormwater Management is currently monitoring heavy precipitation and ensuring functionality of flood control structures in portions of DuPage County.
Throughout the day Friday, areas in the southern portion of DuPage County received up to 3 inches of rainfall, much of which in a brief window of time. Another half an inch of widespread rainfall is forecasted through Saturday morning. The rainfall has not triggered operation of the County’s larger flood control facilities, but several of the County’s gravity-operated facilities are taking in floodwater at this time. Staff is actively ensuring these facilities are operating properly and that any blockages are cleared in streams and rivers.
DuPage County Stormwater Management staff will continue to monitor stream elevations throughout the event and operate any flood control facilities as needed. In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for DuPage County through Friday evening. Ensure precaution when driving, particularly in low-lying areas.
Of the 16 flood control facilities DuPage County operates, five larger facilities have mechanical equipment allowing staff to control them according to a predetermined operating plan. The remaining facilities protect the surrounding areas from flooding without human intervention using fixed weirs and natural drainage systems. In total, the facilities have a floodwater storage capacity of nearly four billion gallons.
For more information, local agencies and residents may visit http://ec.dupageco.org/dec/stormwater/watershed/index.html to view rain and stream gages, forecasts and real-time pictures.
