Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has declared Rock Island County and seven others "disaster areas" as record flooding occurs along the Rock River.
The river is expected to crest tomorrow at four and half feet over flood stage at Moline, and about six feet over flood stage at Joslin.
Rauner says the declaration will ensure the state can provide necessary assistance.
"Northwest Illinois basically has gotten socked and we've got to make sure that we can respond, and as communities need resources, that the state is there to make sure that we're helping," Rauner said on Monday at a press conference outside of the Illinois Department of Transportation in Milan.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency says it's issued 125,000 sandbags to residents in recent days, and has half a million more on hand.
Rauner says it's possible the state could call for evacuations if necessary.
"We can't force you to leave your home but please, for your own safety, if we recommend evacuation please honor the request," he said. "We want to make sure that everybody's safe first and foremost."
The counties included in the disaster proclamation are Rock Island, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside.
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