Major flooding has occurred in Wilmington after ice jam breakage at the Kankakee River overdue Thursday night. The Will County Emergency Management Agency said water rescue groups had been deployed, and 14 people were efficiently evacuated to a transient shelter opened via Wilmington ESDA.
Flooding in downtown Wilmington is currently isolated to the North and South Islands. However, ice remains strong at the Kankakee River, and water levels are growing due to water runoff and melting ice. The ice jam on the river has not absolutely broken, and there is the ability for flooding all through the day as ice starts offevolving and breaking apart at a rapid pace.
The area stays under a flash flood warning, and residents have to be organized to do so, such as by evacuation, if necessary. Drivers must be aware that Route 53, between 102 and 1st Street, will be closed until similarly noted. EMA officials are asking drivers to no longer force themselves around barricades or flooded roadways. The North and South Islands stay closed to the general public.
