Chicago Area Local News

DES PLAINES, Ill. (CBS) ― While the situation has improved in some towns following the devastating flooding over the weekend, conditions have worsened in Des Plaines and some other areas.

In Cook County, President Todd Stroger was forced to declare a state of emergency.

"We've had approximately 90 billion gallons of water precipitation fall in our service area – the Water Reclamation District service area – which is approximately 875 square miles," said Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Terry O'Brien.

The Water Reclamation District has opened several locks to allow the free flow of rainwater into Lake Michigan.

As CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports, near northwest suburban Des Plaines was especially hard-hit by the flooding. Some 2,500 homes were impacted by flooding in Des Plaines alone, according to Des Plaines police. On Monday morning, residents had reported it had gotten worse.

Des Plaines Fire Chief Randy Jaeger said the Des Plaines River crested at 10.01 feet on Sunday, and has since dropped to 9.97 feet.

At Rand and River roads early Monday, River Road was living up to its name. Many businesses were shut down – including the first ever McDonald's to open its doors. Nearby, a White Castle looked like it had a moat around it. Cars were inundated and abandoned, and the Des Plaines Fire Department Station 1 was left out of commission as sump pumps worked overtime.

Des Plaines has also issued a local state of emergency. U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) is expected to tour Des Plaines with Mayor Tony Arredia.

Over the weekend, the sight was shocking and troubling. The water overwhelmed the sewer systems, pumping water back out just as quickly as it was supposed to be going down the drains.

On Sunday, people had to wear water resistant boots to navigate the streets, or even climb aboard boats.

Jackie Wijas spent Saturday trying to keep the waters out of her family's home on Hawthorne Lane, but to no avail.

"Down in our basement, everything is floating. I didn't know refrigerators knew how to float," Wijas said. "It hasn't reached our first floor yet, which is good, and our whole backyard is a swimming pool we always wanted."

Levity may have been the best elixir on Sunday, but the day before Wijas said she spent the day crying.

Jaeger said anyone who can avoid traveling through Des Plaines on Monday should do so.

"The main concern today obviously is traffic coming thru Des Plaines," Jaeger said. "Right now were trying to put out some press releases to let people know that if they do not have to travel thru the City of Des Plaines, then they should not."

River Road has been closed between Touhy Avenue and Rand Road, and Rand is closed from Ballard to River Road. Elmhurst, Wolf and Mt. Prospect roads, Miner Street and Touhy Avenue remain open.

The hundreds of homeowners who have been evacuated are in shelters at Prairie Lakes Community Center.

"Basically, it's a waiting game right now to wait for the river levels to recede," Jaeger said.

Jaeger advised extreme caution for those who remain in Des Plaines. He said to watch for swift water situations, since current can carry people away and drivers can create wake areas.

"People, if they drive too fast down the streets that are flooded, they can actually cause greater damage to people's homes," Jaeger said.

Jaeger also advised people to wash their hands frequently if they have had contact with the water, and stay out of flooded basements.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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