Machesney Park Monitoring Rising Rock River Levels

UPDATE: Rock River Levels Reach 8 Feet

April 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. CT

As of 7:30 a.m. CT, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Rock River's water levels have been recorded at 8.11 feet. This update marks an increase from previous measurements but remains within a range where threats to structures remain low. In response to the rising water levels, we reaffirm the availability of sandbags for residents, particularly those in areas traditionally more susceptible to high water levels. These sandbags are readily available for pickup at the Machesney Town Center, located in front of the former J.C. Penny site (8702 N 2nd Street), serving as a preventative measure for those who wish to fortify their property.

The Village of Machesney Park remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and is in communication with local emergency response agencies to respond promptly if conditions change. We encourage all community members to stay informed by visiting the Village’s website (https://machesneypark.org/) and following our social media pages for the most current updates.

For more detailed information on current river levels and safety tips, please visit the Rock River Latham gauge online at: https://tinyurl.com/MPLathamGauge.

Sandbags begin offered as a precautionary measure in response to increased precipitation

April 2, 2024, 4:12 p.m. CT

In light of recent weather patterns, the Village of Machesney Park is carefully monitoring the Rock River's water levels. It is anticipated that the Rock River will peak at approximately 10 feet by Saturday, April 5, 2024, before commencing a gradual decline. As of 2:30 p.m. CT, April 2, 2024, the river stands at 6.63 feet.

In response to these developments and out of an abundance of caution, the Village is making sandbags available to residents. While the risk to structures remains low at this time, we encourage those in potential flood zones to prepare accordingly. Sandbags are available for pickup at the Machesney Town Center, in front of the former J.C. Penny location (8702 N 2nd Street).

Map of sadback pickup location at the Machesney Town Center (8702 N 2nd Street)

We urge all community members to stay informed and prepared. Further information and updates will be shared via the Village’s website and social media pages. For real-time updates on the Rock River's water levels, you can visit the Rock River Latham gauge online at: https://tinyurl.com/MPLathamGauge.

For more information
Visit our website: https://machesneypark.org/

Follow us on social media for the latest updates:
Facebook: Village of Machesney Park, Illinois
X/Twitter: @ViMachesneyPark

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Media Contact:
Dylan Moffitt, Management Analyst
DylanM@machesneypark.org | (815) 877-5432