Nuclear power plant to help reduce flooding, ice jam risk along Kankakee River

ILLINOIS - A nuclear power plant is helping to reduce the chance of flooding along the Kankakee River. 

Lowering risk of ice jams

What we know:

The Will County Emergency Management Agency is working with constellation energy to open one of three warm water pipes from the Dresden Generating Station in Morris. 

It's meant to lower the chance of ice jam conditions, which are expected to happen starting on Friday and will last through the weekend. 

What is an ice jam? 

According to the National Weather Service, an ice jam occurs when floating ice accumulates and obstructs the river’s flow, often near bends, tributaries, dams, or bridges.

The blockage can cause water to back up, leading to flooding or flash flooding upstream. If the jam breaks, flash flooding may occur downstream.