Ice jams trigger flooding in Illinois town as other Midwest states face similar risks

02:30

Ice jam triggers Flood Warnings along Illinois' Kankakee River

After spending days in the ice box with temperatuers dipping below zero earlier this week, the thaw has arrived with temperatures climbing to the low 40s. Ensuing ice jams are causing flash flooding problems along the Kankakee River.

WILMINGTON, Ill. – Over a dozen residents in Wilmington, Illinois, were evacuated from their homes after the Kankakee River experienced a surge in water levels from ice jams on Friday.

Officials reported a rise of 3 feet in river levels in an hour, and authorities in Will County said they are closely monitoring the situation as the turbulent river waters and frozen obstacles have caused hazardous conditions. 

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A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for southwestern Will County, calling for a continued elevated risk of flooding along the Kankakee River. 

The ice jam on the river had cleared as of Friday afternoon, Will County Emergency Management Agency said, but warned water levels remained dangerously high. Wilmington city officials issued a boil water advisory for all town resident until further notice due to high water levels in town. 

Meanwhile, the melting ice and runoff water will still lead to unpredictable water flow and a high probability of flooding in low-lying areas, the Will County Emergency Management Agency warned.

"It's a waiting game right now," Director of the Wilmington Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Dennis Houseman told FOX 32 in Chicago. "Mother Nature's the only one that knows what's going to happen, and she's not talking to us right now. We will live through it. I mean, I'll guarantee one thing – it'll be gone in June."

04:47

Ice jam on Kankakee River causes flooding in Illinois town

Video shows the power of an ice jam on the Kankakee River, which has flooded homes in the town of Wilmington, Illinois.

WHAT IS AN ICE JAM AND ARE THEY DANGEROUS?

These jams can form on rivers as ice breaks and gets stuck downstream. When combined with faster river flow, they can cause backups and floods. Changes in temperatures can also lead to flooding in yards, parks and roads situated near the river. 

After spending several days locked in an arctic chill with temperatures dropping as low as -8 degrees on Sunday, the region has been consistently above freezing since Monday, with highs reaching into the 40s on Thursday and Friday as the weather pattern reversed.

"Rising streams can cause the ice to break and jam up in different ways in different locations," Chief Deputy Director of the Will County Emergency Management Agency Tom Murray told FOX 32. "So the flooding can really happen anywhere in the area that we have ice right now. Be mindful of what the river is doing. Have a plan."

14 safely evacuated from rising waters

On Thursday evening, flash flooding was reported in downtown Wilmington on the north and south islands. A reverse 911 call was placed to residents advising them of rising water levels and the need to evacuate, the Will County Emergency Management Agency said.

The Kankakee River near Wilmington, Illinois, crested at 13.6 feet on Jan. 26, 2024.

(FOX Weather)

Water rescue teams were deployed, and all island residents were evacuated. In total, authorities said 14 people were successfully evacuated to a temporary shelter.

"Flooding in downtown Wilmington is currently isolated to the north and south Islands," the Will County Emergency Management Agency said. "However, ice remains solid on the Kankakee River, and water levels are steadily increasing due to water runoff and melting ice."

A local resident who owns a summer home along the river has noted significant changes in the past week.

"It came up crazy high, settled down, and now with things breaking up-river and down-river still packed, I think we're in for some trouble yet," Bob Dobczyk told FOX 32. "When (the ice starts) jamming up again, the water's got nowhere to go."

Ice jams not just a problem in Illinois

Ice jams were also flowing down the Wabash River in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, on Thursday. The National Weather Service has warned that ice jam flooding is still possible in waterways throughout the state. 

A look at the top ice jam states in the U.S. over the past 175 years.

(FOX Weather)

As ice jams are expected, several U.S. states are preparing for flood risks over the weekend. Due to heavy rain and ongoing ice jams, the National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for six states.

In Michigan, snowmelt and recent rainfall caused rivers to rise, flooding areas west and north of Detroit.

A school bus ventured into water that was too high, forcing the members of the Detroit Fire Department into rescue mode. All the students and staff onboard are reported to be safe, according to FOX 2 in Detroit.

School bus with students inside trapped on flooded road in Detroit.

(FOX 2)

Residents should pay close attention to Flood Warnings over the next few days as shifting ice can also cause damage to nearby properties.