Flood Updates: Sand & Sandbags Available
As river levels continue to be monitored, the Village of Port Barrington wants residents to know that sand and sandbags are available at the Village Hall parking lot for anyone who may need them.
We encourage everyone to continue monitoring weather and river updates, take sensible precautions, and reach out with any questions. We will continue to share updates as needed.
Update 5/7/26 4pm
Update 5/7/26 Fox Waterway Agency
PRESS RELEASE
EFFECTIVE AT NOON, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026,
THE IDNR-OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS
LIFTED THE CLOSURE AND A NO WAKE STATUS
WILL BE IN PLACE FOR ZONE A (THE LOWER
RIVER). IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS NO WAKE
WILL BE LIFTED AT 4PM THIS AFTERNOON AND
ZONE A WILL BE OPEN TO FULL BOATING AT THAT TIME.
ZONE B (THE UPPER RIVER) AND (THE LAKES) ARE OPEN TO FULL BOATING.
THERE IS A DEBRIS ADVISORY ON THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
REPORT ANY DEBRIS CONCERNS HERE:
https://foxwaterway.com/report-a-concern
Update 5/4/26 FOX WATERWAY AGENCY
PRESS RELEASE
EFFECTIVE AT 4PM, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026, THE
CLOSURE HAS BEEN LIFTED BY THE IDNR-
OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND A NO
WAKE STATUS HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE FOR
ZONE B (THE UPPER RIVER) AND ZONE C (THE LAKES).ZONE A (THE LOWER RIVER) REMAINS CLOSED.
THERE IS A DEBRIS ADVISORY ON THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.Report A Concern Here
https://foxwaterway.com/report-a-concern/
Update 5/1/26
The Fox River Status Update for May 1, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html
SUMMARY
Hopefully we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. It is currently forecasted that the Chain and Upper River could return to “No Wake” next week. The Lower River could be at “No Wake” the following week. There is currently 0.25” or less of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows will continue to drop if no significant rainfall occurs (Figure 1). Fox Lake, Upper River, and Pool continue dropping (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to keep dropping as well on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
Update 4/29/26 4:15pm Flood Resource Centers to open in Cary & Wauconda
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Update 4/29/26
Update 4/28/26
Update 4/27/26 Fox River Status
To view the full update, click the hyperlink above
*This Update is based on the current forecast and will be adjusted based on future forecasts and rainfall.
SUMMARY
There is currently between 0.25” and 0.50” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, with today’s rain causing a brief pause with the flows dropping (Figure 4). Inflows will continue to drop after the rain clears the system (Figure 1). Fox Lake, Upper River, and Pool continue dropping (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to keep dropping as well on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
Update 4/24/26
To view the full update, click the hyperlink above
*This Update is based on the current forecast and will be adjusted based on future forecasts and rainfall.
SUMMARY
It is going to take some time for the system to drain and return to Summer Pool water levels. There is currently between 0.75” and 1.00” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, with the bulk of it being Monday(Figure 4). Inflows continue to drop but will flatten out for a short time due to the rain (Figure 1). Fox Lake, Upper River, and Pool continue dropping but may hold steady while the rainfall moves through the system (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to keep dropping as well on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
4/24/26 Crest Reached
Update 4/24/26 2:58 PM Road Closures Map
For the most updated information regarding road closures and impacted areas, please use this interactive map: https://mchenrycountygis.maps.arcgis.com/…/index.html….
The map includes known countywide road closures and affected areas. Some neighborhoods may have additional local closures. Please be a good neighbor and respect all barricades and posted closures.
Rawson Bridge Road and River Road in McHenry remain closed due to flooding.
Update 4/23/26 1:09 PM
Private Well System Precautions
The Village of Port Barrington is advising all residents to take precautions with their private well systems during the current flooding conditions. If your well head has been submerged or is currently underwater, do not use your water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Floodwater can introduce harmful bacteria and contaminants into your well.
Please wait until floodwaters have completely receded before resuming use. Once conditions improve, your well should be properly disinfected (chlorinated) to eliminate any potential bacteria before the water is considered safe. Taking these precautions is critical to protecting your health and the health of your family.
For guidance on proper well disinfection procedures, please contact your local health department or a licensed well professional.
Update 4/22/26 2:51 PM
To view the full update, click the hyperlink above
*This Update is based on the current forecast and will be adjusted based on future forecasts and rainfall.
SUMMARY
There is now currently between 1.5” and 1.75” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows have dropped by approximately 1800 cfs since Monday and are now less than outflow (Figure 1). Fox Lake appears to be peaking currently, with the Upper River and Pool being slightly lower (Figure 2). The Lower River is still expected to crest near 7.5’ on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
Please use and share the following Flooding Impacts link to allow the Office of Water Resources to better correlate gage readings through the system to community impacts.
The better the data that the office has, the better informed the decision-making process will be regarding water levels.
Update 4/20/26 3:52 PM
To view the full update, click the hyperlink above
*This Update is based on the current forecast and will be adjusted based on future forecasts and rainfall.
SUMMARY
The good news is that inflows have peaked (Figure 1). Fox Lake is now forecasted to peak between 7.3’ and 7.4’ on Wednesday, with the Upper River and Pool slightly lower (Figure 2). The Lower River is now currently expected to crest near 7.5’ on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3). There is currently between 0.25” and 0.50” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4).
Update 4/20/26 Rawson Bridge Road Closure
Update 4/19/26 Village of Port Barrington – URGENT FLOOD ALERT
4/18/26 Fox Waterway Agency Update:
FWA PRESS RELEASE CLARIFICATION
The lower Fox River is expected to surpass 2017 Flood levels. The Chain is currently anticipated to reach 7.3 this week based on the current forecast according to the IDNR. The Chain hit a high of 8.03 in 2017. Let’s hope we don’t hit that level on the Lakes at this time, or any other.
The inundation map at the following link has been updated.
https://idnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=b3074e300da345e588b96919e023ffbe
