Flooding Concerns Rise as Rainfall Batters Lake County, Illinois

Officials monitor Des Plaines River, Fox River, and Chain O'Lakes as water levels continue to climb.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the swollen, murky waters of the Des Plaines River cutting through a flat, fog-shrouded plain, conveying a sense of the river's overwhelming, sublime power.As heavy rains swell the Des Plaines River, the looming threat of flooding casts a somber mood over the surrounding landscape.Chicago Today

Heavy rainfall in the Chicago area has led to rising water levels in Lake County, Illinois, prompting concerns about potential flooding along the Des Plaines River, Fox River, and Chain O'Lakes. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and providing sandbags to residents in flood-prone areas as the rivers are expected to crest over the weekend.

Why it matters

Recurring flooding events in Lake County have caused significant damage to homes and businesses in the past, disrupting daily life and requiring costly cleanup and recovery efforts. As climate change brings more extreme weather, understanding the region's vulnerability to flooding and taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact is crucial for protecting the local community.

The details

Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall on Friday night have added to the flooding concerns in Lake County. Chopper 7 footage showed flooding in the unincorporated Antioch area along the Fox River, as well as in the village of Lincolnshire. The Des Plaines River is expected to crest either this weekend or on Monday, potentially reaching a height of 15 feet. The village of Lincolnshire is providing sandbags to residents, and pumps have been set up to remove rainwater runoff in flood-prone areas.

  • The Des Plaines River is expected to crest either this weekend or on Monday.
  • The last major flooding event in the area occurred in 2017.

The players

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission

The government agency responsible for managing stormwater and flood control in Lake County, Illinois.

Brian Frank

The chief engineer of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

Lincolnshire

A village in Lake County, Illinois that is prone to flooding along the Des Plaines River.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, things aren't great right now, they are gonna get a little worse the waters are gonna get a little higher.”

— Brian Frank, Chief Engineer, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission

“The last time it flooded it was 2017, and that's what all these roads were underwater, and I think they said that river made it up to 16 feet high.”

— Ludwig Smith, Neighborhood Resident

What’s next

The Des Plaines River is expected to crest either this weekend or on Monday, and officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to residents.

The takeaway

This flooding event highlights the ongoing challenges Lake County faces with extreme weather and the need for proactive flood mitigation strategies to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure. As climate change brings more intense rainfall, understanding the region's vulnerabilities and investing in resilient solutions will be crucial for safeguarding the local community.