Homeowners brace for flood waters to get even worse
The Fox River is at record flooding levels, and as Mother Nature prepares to drop more rain on the Chicago area, victims are filling up a flood relief center.
Thursday was the first day for the multi-agency resource center in Round Lake Beach, and in nine hours that it was open, the Red Cross estimates 400 families came looking for supplies, disaster relief and guidance.
For the Stateler family - it’s been a whirlwind of a week. Their Round Lake Beach home ended up with four inches of sewage in the basement after the sewer lines couldn’t handle all the rain water. They came out Thursday night to the Red Cross’s resource center looking for help.
"We have to tear out all the drywall paneling or whatever and sanitize, and that's a whole other animal,” said Keith Stateler.
But the rivers continue to rise.
Because of the most recent overnight storms, the Fox River reached a new record level at the Algonquin tailwater on Thursday.
"Right when it starts going down, we got that rain last night and here it is back up and it came up a solid 3-4 inches overnight,” said resident Tyler Powles.
This is his third year of life on the Fox River, but his first real flood. Tyler Powles continues his sandbagging efforts hoping to protect his home for the next river crest.
The Fox River is expected to crest again early Friday morning at a record 13 feet in Algonquin.
And with the floodwaters near downtown, the annual summer festival - Founders Day - is moving to higher ground away from this park to Algonquin Lakes.
More rain is expected over the next few days, which could send the rivers even higher. But for now - residents will spend their hours cleaning up, accepting supplies and a little advice.
"One of the nice ladies, Sherry from Red Cross, told me you have to remember to breathe,” said Stateler.
This multi- agency resource center will be open Friday from 9-6 and on Saturday 9-noon.
If you want to volunteer your time, just reach out to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.