Illinois Flood Warning | Effective 04/18/2026 10:53

Headline: 
Flood Warning issued April 18 at 12:53PM CDT until April 20 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Event: 
Flood Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
April 18, 2026 - 10:53am
Expires: 
April 19, 2026 - 5:00am
Description: 
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Ottawa affecting La Salle County. Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Putnam and Bureau Counties. For the Illinois River (Upper)...including Morris, Ottawa, La Salle...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Illinois River from Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa downstream to Starved Rock Lock and Dam, including the Ottawa gauge. * WHEN...From this evening to late Monday evening. * IMPACTS...At 464.0 feet, Backwater causes the Fox River to reach bankfull near St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 12:30 PM CDT Saturday the stage was 462.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage late this evening to a crest of 463.5 feet early tomorrow afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage Monday afternoon. - Flood stage is 463.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instruction: 
A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by Sunday morning.
Area Description: 
La Salle, IL
Forcast Office: 
NWS Chicago IL
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov