Fox River Floods: When Will the Water Drop?

The Fox River remains swollen after last week’s heavy rains. A Chicago weather scientist predicts the water may settle back into its banks by mid‑next week—but only if no more big storms hit the area.

Key Data Points

• New Munster, Wisconsin gauge: topped 15 feet on Sunday, now falling slowly.
• The river’s slow southward move means it can take 3–4 days for lower gauges to see the crest.
• Chain O’ Lakes: in major flood stage, still rising a little each day.
• Fox Lake: just under the threshold but climbing.
• Highest level since July 2017: 8 feet; this week at 7.5 feet, half a foot below record.
• Stratton Lock and Dam tailwater: hit major flood stage overnight.

Road Closures & Safety Alerts

• River Road near McHenry Dam: closed for a mile due to water over the road.
• Rawson Bridge in Cary remains shut.
• County sheriff warns: “Do not cross flooded bridges or ignore barricades.”

Community Responses

• Nunda Township: stopped its sandbag volunteer drive after a week of work.
• Water under the Algonquin dam expected to keep rising until Thursday, reaching 12.2 feet—another major flood stage.
• Elgin: no official gauge, but water plant staff report the city stays below minor flood stage despite rising river.

Flood Stage Definitions

• Minor vs. Major: depends on how high a stretch rises and whether homes or businesses are affected.
• Some parkland in Elgin floods, but the town itself rarely does.

Upcoming Gauges

• Next gauge after Elgin is Montgomery, where water will stay at minor flood stage for several days.
• A long stretch of the river has no gauge because communities choose whether to fund them; if a town rarely sees damage, it may not pay for one.

Stay tuned for further updates as the river continues to move and local officials monitor conditions closely.