Community Corner

Naperville Hammered with Rain, Flood Water

After rain drenched the Naperville area Thursday, flooding is expected to remain in portions of the city Friday, which may impact the morning commute.

A flood warning remains in effect for DuPage County Friday morning after Naperville was hammered with heavy rainfall Thursday, causing massive flooding throughout the city.

Live Blog: Naperville Flooding Updates: Road Closures to Impact Friday Morning Commute

More than 6 inches of rain soaked Naperville leaving local school district officials as well as North Central College to cancel classes. Downtown businesses and the Naperville Nichols Public Library also closed their doors early due to weather conditions.

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Governor Pat Quinn declared a state of emergency as state agencies prepared to provide assistance to local governments throughout northern Illinois dealing with severe river and flash flooding.

Areas of flooding are expected to remain in portions of the city Friday, which may effect the morning commute.

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Major road closures expected to impact the morning commute include: Naper Boulevard from Chicago Avenue to Hobson Road; Washington Street south of Royce Road; North Aurora Road west of Route 59 and between Route 59 and Tudor; 111th to 248th west to the railroad, according to the city.

Flooding increased later in the evening when DuPage County opened up the Fawell Dam causing more water to rush down the DuPage River. City officials made the call to close Washington Street and Eagle Street bridges shortly before the dam was opened Thursday night. 

One of the hardest hit areas was the downtown Riverwalk. Sidewalks were blocked off with caution tape near the Riverwalk as water engulfed benches, sculptures and flooded basements of local businesses that back up to the DuPage River.

On Thursday evening, downtown business owners and volunteers came together to fill sandbags at Sullivan's Steakhouse. The city of Naperville was also offering sandbags at Centennial Beach, Riverview Court and the 95th Street Library for residents. 

Business owners and employees along the Riverwalk on West Chicago Avenue began stacking sandbags behind their shops Thursday morning to hold off water that was pouring into basements. Basements at Peanuts Bar and Grill, Features and the Lantern were flooded with several feet of water by Thursday afternoon.

It was also a hectic day for the Naperville Fire Department. The fire department received more than 200 calls in a 24-hour period Thursday, according to the Naperville Professional Firefighters Local 4302 Facebook page.

Officials continue to warn residents to avoid flooded roads, ponds and the DuPage River as flood water still remains in certain areas Friday.

Residents with flooded basements and homes can place trash as well as carpeting at their curb, which will be picked up through the end of next week on regularly scheduled garage days. 

Carperting needs to be bundled and no more than four feet in length, two feet wide and weighing no more than 60 pounds, according to the city. 

Residents are also asked to continue to use containers up to 32 gallons in capacity and 60 pounds in weight or one of thecCity-issued garbage carts. Furniture and appliances are included in the normal collection, according to the city.

Collection of drywall and lumber will continue to be limited to two 32-gallon containers. Electronics can be disposed of at the city’s Recycling Drop-Off Center, 180 Fort Hill Dr., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Read More: 

  • VIDEO: DuPage River Waterfall Flows into Centennial Beach
  • Rainfall Totals in Chicago Suburbs
  • Naperville Takes to Social Media to Share Flooding Photos
  • Photo Gallery: DuPage County Underwater in Spring Flood
  • Gov. Quinn Declares State of Emergency


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