Kenosha & Lake Counties Weather Alert: Fox River Flood Warning Extended Until Monday Morning

NEW MUNSTER, Wis. — Communities along the Fox River in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois are under an extended Flood Warning until Monday morning, after the river crested above flood stage overnight. The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan confirmed that the river rose to 11.7 feet, surpassing the official flood stage of 11.0 feet .

River Levels and Impacted Communities

The rise in water has already produced minor but disruptive flooding across Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and Lake County, Illinois. Yards in Salem Lakes and the Town of Wheatland have standing water, while portions of 77th Street are covered with several inches of water, creating hazards for both residents and drivers.

Residents along Riverside Drive and Shorewood Drive are also seeing standing water in low-lying yards. While flooding is currently categorized as minor, authorities caution that additional upstream rainfall could worsen conditions before levels recede .

The flood warning remains in place through early Monday morning, when the Fox River is forecast to fall back below flood stage.

Travel Concerns and Public Safety

Emergency management officials emphasize the importance of avoiding water-covered roadways. Statistics show that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. With even a few inches of water capable of stalling a car or sweeping it off the road, the warning applies particularly to rural backroads in Kenosha and Lake counties.

Local sheriff’s offices have already reported calls of stranded vehicles Saturday morning and are urging residents to follow the motto: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Historical Context

This week’s crest of 11.7 feet matches a 2019 high-water mark recorded in the same area, making it one of the highest late-summer crests in recent memory. Historically, the Fox River has produced both seasonal flooding in spring and occasional summer rises following significant rainfall upstream.

While officials stress that this flood is less severe than historic floods of 2008 and 2017, the impact on homeowners, small businesses, and local roads remains significant.

Next Updates and Outlook

The National Weather Service will provide its next update at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, with flood warnings expected to remain active until the river drops below 11 feet. With the current forecast showing a gradual decline, relief is expected by early Monday morning barring any new rainfall .

Looking ahead, drier conditions are expected for much of the weekend, though isolated showers remain possible in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Any heavier storms developing upstream could prolong flooding downstream.

Community Response

Local emergency management offices have opened sandbag pickup stations in Salem Lakes and Wheatland, where residents are working to reinforce property boundaries. Volunteers have stepped up to assist seniors and those living in flood-prone neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, agricultural areas near the Fox River are reporting temporary field flooding, which could delay harvesting schedules if the water lingers into next week.

Are you in Kenosha or Lake County dealing with the Fox River flooding? Share your experiences and updates in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.