Officials with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago announced Sunday that they have allowed water from the Chicago River to go into Lake Michigan to help alleviate shoreline flooding after heavy rains pounded the area.
According to a press release, up to four inches of rain have been recorded in some locations over the last two days, leading to the decision to reverse the river’s flow at the Wilmette Pumping Station.
This decision comes after the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the North Branch of the Chicago River, urging residents to use caution in coming days as water levels rise. “There are several factors we consider when determine to release floodwater to the lake, including the rate the river water level is rising at each lakefront control location,” officials said. “ if the rainfall intensity is continuing or beginning to decrease.”
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Storm update: Between 1-4" of rain have fallen throughout the Chicago metro area the past 2 days. Rainfall levels and intensity varied across the region w/more hitting the central & northern suburbs the hardest this morning.
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