Jan. 26 (UPI) — Flash flooding in Illinois sparked emergency rescues along the Kankakee River Thursday evening and Friday, state and local officials confirmed.
Authorities with the Will County Emergency Management Agency and City of Wilmington responded to calls for rescue after the river’s water levels increased rapidly because of heavy rain and melting ice.
At least 14 people were successfully rescued from the water after flooding in parts of the city’s downtown area while authorities opened a temporary emergency shelter.
The Wilmington Police Department warned drivers to avoid certain roads through the city of 5,600 people.
“Do not drive through water. Turn around,” the department said in a warning on Facebook.
Wilmington is located approximately 60 miles south of Chicago.
Water levels along the river began rising Thursday evening and continued through the night.
A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Will County and neighboring Grundy County through Saturday morning.