Des Plaines, Fox rivers continue to rise as north suburbs brace for more flooding

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) -- Families living along the Des Plaines and Fox rivers are preparing for the worst as flooding continues to swallow some neighborhoods.

Governor Bruce Rauner declared disaster areas in Lake, McHenry and Kane counties, allowing state resources to be made available to communities affected by the flooding.

In Gurnee Saturday morning, officials want everyone to stay as far away from the Des Plaines River, which is expected to rise another two inches Saturday.

Sandbags and heavy machinery are ready to build barriers between the overflowing river and nearby homes. Roughly 100 homes and nearby businesses have flooded in Gurnee this week.

Some families who live near the river said after this flood, they plan to move.

A volunteer who was on a run in Gurnee and decided to stop and help fill up sandbags.

"I just want to help out. I am actually from the Peoria, Illinois area, so we are used to flooding," said Nick Huffman. "I am going to help out as long as I can. I have to get back, but anything helps.

The Des Plaines River is expected to crest Saturday afternoon. It is expected to rise another two inches in Gurnee by 1 p.m. In Des Plaines, the river is starting to go down, dropping about two inches by 7 p.m. Saturday.

Water levels are also still rising Saturday morning along the swollen Fox River.

Residents from some of the hardest hit parts of northwest lake county and the Chain-O-Lakes region are hoping a nearly-breached seawall and some frantic sandbagging efforts can help hold back a flood of historic proportions.

It could still be days before the river crests.

In Algonquin, the Fox River is expected to rise another 16 inches by Tuesday morning and another three inches in Montgomery by Tuesday.

Many business are still working to get back on track after all the flooding.

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is closed for the weekend. Crews are still cleaning up and making repairs before full hospital operations pick back up. Some physician offices are open for appointments, but ambulances are being re-routed and people are asked to go to other locations for emergencies.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is set to open up at noon after being closed the past few days.

Classes at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines are expected to resume on Monday.

The Avon Township Food Pantry in Grayslake has asked for help in assisting flood victims. The pantry is seeking cleaning supplies, garbage bags, power towels, food, clothing, toilet paper, toothpaste, baby wipes, home goods, blankets, bed sheets, non-perishable foods and more.

The pantry will be sharing with other locations in Lake County. Donations can be dropped off at the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Office:783 N. Barron Blvd, (Rte 83), Grayslake, IL, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.