After the Storms: Flood Risk Continues; No School for Plainfield

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Updated at 8 a.m. April 19:

Along with the closures noted by the Plainfield police, the following roadways were also closed Friday morning:

• Route 59 (near the Animal Care Center of Plainfield)
• Vision and Desert
• Discovery and County Line Road
• Sierra and Desert
• West Frontage Road from Route 52 to Black Road
• Caton Farm between Von Esch and Bronk
• Seil Road between I-55 and River Road

Illinois State police said the following roads are open, but urged drivers to use caution:

• Route 30 west of 135th Street (open, but there is standing water)
• Route 126 east of 143rd Street (large amounts of water on pavement)
• I-55 southbound at Black Road (right lane remains shut down)

Original story:

Plainfield teachers and students will get another soggy day off Friday. District 202 announced its campuses will remain closed Friday amid severe flooding in and around the village.

“This decision was made together with local public safety officials because of the continuing impact of the storm,” Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez said in a press release. “Primarily, we expect many area roads to remain closed as the water continues to rise, making transportation difficult and dangerous. All after-school and evening activities including athletics, concerts, etc. scheduled for tomorrow will also be canceled.”

Year-round school employees are being asked to report to work if they can do so safely.

Updated list of road closures

According to Plainfield police, the following roads remained closed as of late Thursday afternoon:

• Indian Boundary between County Line and Renwick
• County Line between Indian Boundary and Wheeler
• Wheeler Road between Indian Boundary and County Line Road
• Drauden between Renwick Road and Lockport Street
• Lily Cache between Rolf Road and Caton Farm Road
• 135th Street between Route 59 and Naperville/Plaifnield Road
• Route 30 between 119th and 111th streets
• Van Dyke Road between 127th Street and 119th Street
• Naperville/Plainfield Road between 135th Street and Marina Drive
• Route 126 (Main Street) between Lockport Street and Route 59 (Detour using Route 59 and 143rd Street)
• Rolf Road between Lily Cache and Route 59

Road will reopen as soon as water recedes to a level that allows for safe passage, police said.

On roads that have reopened, police are urging drivers to use caution, especially as day turns to night. Police are asking drivers to:

• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. The road below may be damaged or washed away.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing a loss of control or possible stalling.
• Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.
• Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
• Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down.
• Allow extra distance for braking.
• If heavy rain obscures your view, stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the rains subside.
• Approach intersections with caution.

Emergency shelter is open

The emergency shelter at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Dr., will remain open overnight, police said.

Anyone in need of emergency shelter can go directly to the school or call the police non-emergency number at 815-436-2341.

Police said 18 people were evacuated from the Marybrook subdivision Thursday. The number of residents whose homes are taking on water could increase if the level of the DuPage River continues to rise.

According to Plainfield Township’s DuPage River gauge, the river had reached a height of more than 16 feet by Thursday afternoon, causing major flooding.

Volunteers are still welcome at the Plainfield Public Works Department, 14400 S. Coil Plus Dr. Volunteers should bring gloves (extras if possible), boots and appropriate clothing.

For more information call the Plainfield Emergency Operations Center at 815-436-6215 or the police non-emergency number, 815-436-2341.

Sand, bags and a limited number of pre-made sandbags are available to township residents at the Plainfield Township building, 22525 W. Lockport St. For more information call 630-327-9303.

More to come?

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, effective until 7:30 a.m. Friday.

According to the NWS, extensive flooding could continue throughout the area due to heavy rainfall. Continued runoff from rainfall will continue to cause elevated water levels on creeks and streams and ponding of water on local roads.

The NWS forecast called for a chance of showers Thursday night and Friday, with highs in the mid-40s.

YMCA offers ‘day off’ program

For parents who aren’t sure what they will do about childcare on Friday, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will offer the “Y’s Day Out of School” program on Friday.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at cost is $30 for full members and $45 for program members. Kids will participate in a program of open play and structured activities under the supervision of trained YMCA staff.

Pre-registration is required. To register call 815-267-8600. 

Plainfield Patch storm and flood coverage:

• See photos and videos of flooding throughout Plainfield here
•  
• Rainfall Totals in Chicago Suburbs
  
• Walker's Grove 20th Anniversary Carnival Postponed
  

Who to follow on social media for updates:

• Plainfield Patch on Facebook and Twitter
• Plainfield Public Works
• Village of Plainfield
• Plainfield Police Department
• Joliet Weather Center