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Pritzker Issues Second Flood Disaster Proclamation

Flooding along a river
Kristin McHugh
/
Peoria Public Radio
Flooding along the Illinois River in Peoria on May 5, 2019.

Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties are among 34 included in a second disaster proclamation issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The governor issued the declaration Friday in response to a second wave of rising water and near-record crests on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The governor made a similar declaration May 3.

Flood warnings remain in effect for the Illinois River and others across the state following a month of heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service upgraded its flood forecast for the Illinois River in Peoria on Friday. Officials now expect the river to rise 9 feet above the 18-foot flood stage by Sunday morning.

Pritzker’s disaster proclamation follows his action this week to engage the Illinois National Guard to monitor and reinforce levees. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is establishing a Unified Area Command Vehicle in Scott County to coordinate regional flood response efforts.

The Illinois River at Valley City is forecast to crest above the 1943 record flood level. The Mississippi River in Rock Island surpassed the historic record 1993 crest in early May.

Kristin McHugh is an experienced radio journalist and nonprofit manager. Most recently, she served as executive director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council.