Illinois Severe Flood Watch | Effective 09/19/2026 07:38

Headline: 
Flood Watch issued September 19 at 9:38AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Event: 
Flood Watch
Urgency: 
Future
Effective: 
September 19, 2026 - 7:38am
Expires: 
September 20, 2026 - 1:45am
Description: 
...The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Illinois... Des Plaines River near Russell affecting Lake IL County. Des Plaines River near Gurnee affecting Lake IL County. Des Plaines River at Lincolnshire affecting Cook and Lake IL County. Des Plaines River near Des Plaines affecting Cook County. Des Plaines River at Riverside affecting Cook County. .The combination of heavy rain this morning and expected additional thunderstorms with heavy rain tonight may lead to river flooding along the Des Plaines River basin as early as Sunday morning. The heavy rain tonight is expected to occur along a roughly west to east axis across northern Illinois, though the exact location across the river basin remains uncertain. Flooding severity may be higher or lower over the basin depending on the ultimate placement of the highest rainfall tonight. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Des Plaines River from Palatine Road in Prospect Heights downstream to Irving Park Road in Chicago, including the Des Plaines gauge. * WHEN...From Sunday morning until further notice. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 AM CDT Saturday the stage was 10.1 feet. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached based on the latest forecast information. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instruction: 
A Flood Watch means water levels above flood stage are possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Persons along rivers and streams in the watch area should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop. These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by late tonight.
Area Description: 
Northern Cook; Central Cook
Forcast Office: 
NWS Chicago IL
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov