Full Notification

Expected warmer temperatures this week, coupled with heavy rainfall expected on Thursday and thawing snow, will create a potential for flooding in the area.

Rain and significant snowmelt could lead to widespread flooding Thursday into Friday.  Monday’s snowfall added another half-inch of water to our growing snow cover. Underlying the snow cover is a frozen layer of soil 12 to 16-inches thick. Any rainfall or snowmelt will immediately runoff into partially-frozen creeks and streams. Temperatures are expected to rise well into the 40s this week with some heavy rain on Thursday, which could result in a day of with significant flood potential. Low-lying, flood-prone areas and viaducts/underpasses will be the most susceptible to pooling/standing water.  Persons living along rivers and in flood prone areas should prepare now for the possibility of river flooding in the coming weeks. Continue to closely monitor this developing snow melt situation. Any significant changes in precipitation amounts or temperatures could affect the timing and severity of flooding.

There is not much that can be done about the likely ice jams that may develop on rivers and streams and extend that flood threat, but residents can help themselves locally.  With the predicted temperature warm up expected, there are many precautions residents can take prior to the snow melting.  Residents can be proactive by taking the initiative to help themselves in the next 24 to 48 hours to help prevent some flooded basements, yards and driveways, by taking some of the following preventive actions:

• Clear storm drains of ice, snow and debris around their property, both in the street and any drains that may be in the rear or side yards, to allow a clear path for water to run off.
   
• Clear the downspouts and make sure the bottom of the downspout is clear to discharge any roof runoff away from the house.  If possible try and dig them out of snow piles to allow clear access to drain and free downspouts from any accumulated ice and debris.
  
   
• Clean and clear any window wells.  Make sure they are free of ice, leaves and other debris so they can drain properly and quickly as possible.  If water accumulates in window wells, the end result could be seepage or flooding into the basement.
   
• Clear any stairwell drains your home may have.  Remove any ice and debris from the drain at the bottom of the stairwell to alleviate the possibility of seepage into the basement. 
   
• Try to clean any bubble up system’s outlet from snow and ice, such as a sump pump discharge or a downspout that is buried for landscape convenience.
   
• Make sure your sump pumps are in working order.  Double check your sump pump battery; it may be used more than normal in this event.  If your basement has had previous flooding, you may want to invest in a back-up sump pump. Due to the frozen ground there may be more seepage towards the foundation since there is no other place for it to seep. 
   
• Make sure to direct all discharges away from the house and direct drainage away from the foundation wall.  If the discharges are not directed away from the foundation wall and your house has a sump pump you may end up recirculating the water over and over and could eventually burn out your sump pump.  
   
• Clear away any ice dams that have lodged themselves in the outlet of a detention facility for any Homeowners Association or homeowners who have detention basins on their lot.

Please be patient and understand that as the snow melts, it will take much longer than a normal rain event to drain away, since the ground has been frozen and some storm sewers may be covered or at their maximum capacity.  Retention ponds will also be slower to drain.  If you do not see improvements within 48-72 hours please contact the North Aurora Public Works Department at 630-897-8228 ext. 230.

Also, please contact the Public Works Department if you encounter blocked roadways or sewers that are causing ponding or flooding.  Remember that ponding can cause cars to hydroplane at high speeds, so please drive slowly.  If street flooding is particularly deep, do not attempt to drive through the water as it may be difficult to determine just how deep the flooding is and this could damage your vehicle.