× Hydrologic Outlook
Until 2025-01-15T13:15:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
ESFLOT Favorable conditions for river ice development and possible ice jams are expected from today through at least Thursday, impacting the Rock, Fox, Des Plaines, and Kankakee river basins. Very cold temperatures which have moved into the region today, combined with an extended period of below freezing weather over the last few weeks, will make conditions favorable for the rapid formation of river ice on area rivers and tributaries. River ice spotters and river gauge data indicate that most area rivers already have at least isolated areas of heavy river ice including a few minor ice jams. New ice jams will be possible along the Rock, Fox, Des Plaines, and Kankakee rivers, including their tributaries. Any ice jam that develops will have the potential to cause rises on area rivers with little warning and isolated areas of flooding are possible. While warming temperatures later this week through the weekend may temporarily reduce the chances for additional river ice formation, temperatures are not currently forecasted to be warm enough to melt the ice. An additional period of very cold temperatures is possible next week which could bring additional river ice concerns. Persons along area rivers should continue to monitor the latest forecasts into next week. This product will be updated by tomorrow afternoon.