Flooding creates dangerous driving conditions in Illinois

Multiple road closures in Peoria County as well as Champaign and Livingston

[April 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Transportation warns motorists against driving into floodwaters and urges extra caution on the roads Thursday. Flood warnings and watches are in place throughout the state. There is flooding on numerous roads and there are temporary road closures. As of mid-morning, most flooding problems and weather-related transportation delays were occurring in the northern two-thirds of the state.

"Driving into flooded portions of roads can be dangerous and even deadly, as floodwaters can quickly carry your vehicle away," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "Our crews are working diligently to ensure flooded roads are closed off to the motoring public and will continue to monitor the conditions to ensure safety across Illinois throughout the duration of this storm."
 

Flooding-related driving tips:

• Do not drive through flooded areas.

• If a road covered by water seems shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to do so.

• If your car stalls, do not attempt to push it out; seek higher ground.

Thursday morning Gov. Pat Quinn activated the State Incident Response Center in Springfield to assess flooding and severe weather in several areas of the state and expedite assistance that may be needed by local public safety officials to protect citizens. The center will remain open as long as needed to support local responders.

For a list of road closures, visit http://www.dot.il.gov/road/roadClosures.htm. For more information on flood safety and real-time updates on the current storms, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]