Story posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Heavy Storms Drench DP, Rosemont
Last Friday's deluge sparked a mobilization of Des Plaines Public Works and emergency services crews to keep storm sewer drains clear of debris and roads passable.
In most cases, the efforts worked, however, in some neighborhoods, basements and streets flooded. No injuries or evacuations were reported following the heavy rainfall that hit the area Friday. Among the homes that flooded was Mayor Marty Moylan's. He said flooding was reported in the neighborhoods of Dover Drive and Marshall; the 200 block of Fargo Avenue; Cedar and River Road; Debra Drive; Northwest Highway S-curve and lane closings on portions of Elmhurst and Algonquin roads.
"There was so much rain in such a short period of time," said City Manager Jason Bajor. "Virtually everyone in Public Works was involved Friday and Saturday."
While the Des Plaines River was high, it did not reach the 7 to 8-ft. level, which prompts full activation of the city's emergency operations, said Bajor. On Friday, some residents obtained sandbags at the Public Works garage on Algonquin Road at Campground Road. As of early this week, the river level was receding.
Rosemont
Last Friday's heavy rains sent Rosemont Public Works crews scrambling to stay ahead of rising waters.
Village officials said no homes were flooded but acknowledged there may have been minor seepage on one street. The corner of Graff and Scott streets, next to Lange Park, did flood. Public Works Director Mike Raimondi said that was the village's "only real issue" during the heavy rains.
A new pumping station is ready to be installed near that intersection next month, Raimondi said.
Higgins Road between Devon Avenue and Mannheim was briefly closed for about 15 minutes after 11 a.m. Friday, said Raimondi, as floodwaters rose underneath the Canadian National railroad bridge.
Public Works crews were seen pumping water away from homes and into Willow Creek, next to Rosemont Elementary School, as the rain fell.
Raimondi said sandbags were filled and prepared but were ultimately not needed.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.