Illinois Flood Watch | Effective 04/17/2026 11:46

Headline: 
Flood Watch issued April 17 at 1:46PM CDT until April 21 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Event: 
Flood Watch
Urgency: 
Future
Effective: 
April 17, 2026 - 11:46am
Expires: 
April 18, 2026 - 6:00am
Description: 
...The National Weather Service in Chicago IL has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Ottawa affecting La Salle zone. ...The Flood Watch is replaced by a River Flood Warning for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Bureau and Putnam zones. For the Illinois River (Upper)...including Ottawa, La Salle... flooding is possible. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Illinois River from Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa downstream to Starved Rock Lock and Dam, including the Ottawa gauge. * WHEN...From late Saturday night to early Tuesday afternoon. * 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 Friday the stage was 461.6 feet. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached early Sunday morning. - Flood stage is 463.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instruction: 
A Flood Watch means water levels above flood stage are possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Persons along rivers and streams in the watch area should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop. 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 this afternoon.
Area Description: 
La Salle
Forcast Office: 
NWS Chicago IL
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov