Last week’s storms didn’t just bring tornado sirens and soaked backyards; they left behind a messy reminder that Northern Illinois rivers don’t calm down overnight. Right now many parks and paths throughout the Stateline have fallen victim to rising water levels, here’s what you need to know.
Illinois Flood Warnings
After all the severe weather in the Rockford area last week, I’ve been yearning to go on a nice long walk in the sunshine, but there’s one big problem: many of my favorite walking paths are flooded.
Last Sunday I went down to Sumner Park to see how much flooding there was along the Pecatonica River, and I was shocked to see water covering the road and most of the grassy area beyond it.
The truth is, river levels are extremely high and dangerous all over Northern Illinois, and it could take several weeks for the water to recede, so plan your outdoor fun accordingly.
Rockford Parks Closed Due to Flooding
I’m sorry to say, if your favorite outdoor spots in the Stateline area are located next to rivers, it’s a good bet they will be closed for the next few weeks.
The Rockford Park District sent out a warning today about several parks and trails being closed due to flooding including:
- Martin Park
- Shorewood Park
- The bike path at Mercyhealth Sportscore One
- The horse trail at Anna Page Park
Ready for some good news? The forecast is finally cooperating with plenty of sunshine over the next week, and dry weather will help the water levels go down…