Illinois River on the rise after recent rains

UTICA – Portions of area roads and property are starting to flood due to rising waters. The National Weather Service says parts of Dee Bennet Road between Utica and Naplate will be flooded soon. The lower lots of Starved Rock State Park, which is already closed by the state, plus some areas into Utica will see plenty of water if the river crests at the predicted 31 feet, which would be major flood stage. Water Street in Peru will likely flood and in Ottawa, Allen Park, Shabbona Street and Green Street will be inundated. Heavy rains have already deluged some areas in North Central Illinois with over 4” of rain since Thursday.
 
Author:  Charles Van Horn