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 Members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, or LEPC,
gathered together at the Health Department on Thursday. Before the
quarterly meeting, 911 and EMA Director Dan Fulscher provided a
weather briefing to those who would be called if the Emergency
Operations Center would be opened due to flood issues.
There are multiple concerns at this time related to the amount of
rain that has most recently fallen over central Illinois in a short
period and with a forecast of possibly more rain.
Fulscher began by telling the committee members how much rain a
number of cities in central Illinois have received in June, not
counting the rain that fell early yesterday morning. So far,
Springfield has received 5.75 inches of rain, Decatur has received
3.24, and Peoria has received 9.75 inches of rain.
Fulscher said that Lincoln had received 6.4 inches of rain so far in
June. When you add the rain that fell on Thursday morning, Lincoln
has received 7.25 inches of rain.
As of Thursday morning, the forecast called for a possibility of
more rain later in the evening, possibly up to three-quarters of an
inch. Fulscher said that there is also a possibility of rain that
will continue on into Sunday.
 A couple or few two-inch rains like what we've already experienced
could have major impact on the area by flooding streets, country
roadways and other areas prone to flooding from causeways and
waterways. There could even be issues with basements flooding and
proper environmental cleanup afterward.
The dive team has already been called out on rescues. One day they
made three successive rescues in a row. The first was for a family
in a farm house that was cut off by flood water.
Water was rapidly rising over roadways from field to field flooding.
A dive team member driving nearby became stranded on a road, unable
to go forward or to back-track and was forced to call for help.
When done rescuing the farm family, the team headed for the diver
that was stranded. It took a tractor to get to him.
Waiting to be rescued, the stranded diver saw an entire family
standing on top of their van further down the road. They were
holding hands praying. Their van had been swept into a flooded
ditch. They couldn't call for help, their cell phones were down in
the van.
After the diver was rescued the family on the van was rescued, again
using the tractor, the scoop was extended and the entire family
climbed in.
Fulscher spoke on the connected creeks and waterways that run
through Logan County. As an example, Fulscher pointed to Clinton,
which received less rain yesterday morning. Overall, they received
less than an inch of rain. Fulscher said that at the moment Clinton
Lake is in no danger of flooding, but he is worried about the effect
on Logan County waterways if excess water needs to drain off of
Clinton Lake in the future.
Fulscher also spoke on the concern of specific groups in the area.
Farmers are worried about the economic impact of excess rain, as too
much rain or wind can damage crops. As a result of too much water,
farmers may not be able to replant if they lose crops, which hurts
economically. There is also a danger of corn growing too tall, which
can be a hazard for emergency services if they need to help someone
in rural areas.
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On the topic of possible safety hazards, Fulscher said that with all of the
excess water comes a greater chance of risks for to those that take to the
waterways for recreation. Fulscher said that people will likely want to take
boats, canoes, kayaks, and other water vehicles out for recreation because of
all the water.
Fulscher said that because of all the extra rain, there is a lot more debris
coming up in the waterways, which will create a hazard for people. “I anticipate
we will need water rescue,” said Fulscher.
Fulscher advised against water recreation under such conditions, but for those
going into the water he says: Always go in groups, take a cell phone, for those
tubing tie multiple tubes together, and have a designated person remain on land
in case of emergency. Additionally, people should try to get out of the water at
least two hours before the sun sets.
Of the four water related deaths in Logan County in the last 10 years, three
involved alcohol.
Local waterways have not crested from the past rains yet.
Debris filled waterways create swales, boils and undertows that are no match for
boats, canoes, tubes or swimmers.
Flooded roadways can careen a vehicle into a flooded ditch or waterway in a
split moment with no options for quick escape.
Emily Hauter, the Emergency Response Coordinator for the Health Department,
commented on another risk caused by high amounts of water and standing water.
Hauter reminded everyone of the potential for mosquitoes that may carry West
Nile virus. There has already been one confirmed case of West Nile in a nearby
county so far this year.
Fulscher said that one of the possible reasons for the excess rain is the jet
stream activity over the United States. Right now, the jet stream is moving over
northern Illinois, but soon it could move much further south than normal.
Fulscher said the jet stream that passes over the country is behaving more akin
to how it should in winter. As a result, the jet stream is expected to pull
moisture off of the Gulf Coast as it stretches farther south before moving east.
“We’re going to have some unseasonably cool weather,” said Fulscher. Fulscher
said we may be experiencing more temperatures in the 70’s, which is cooler than
usual.
Fulscher also commented on the potential for more severe storms in the near
future. “We’re not seeing a storm, but we’re also not, not seeing it,” said
Fulscher.
Overall, Fulscher said he is worried about the potential for more heavy rain,
but right now the county is still okay. “We’re still okay, and we’ve been a lot
worse,” said Fulscher.
[Derek Hurley/with contributions by
Jan Younquist]
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