Portions of Grundy and Will counties are under a flood warning for the next several days due to rain that has caused area rivers to swell.
The National Weather Service issued late Wednesday a flood warning for numerous rivers in Illinois and Indiana, including the Illinois River in Morris, the Kankakee River near Wilmington and the Mazon River near Coal City.
Some rain fell overnight, and showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm could occur before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers between 1 to 4 p.m., according to the weather service.
"This forecast rainfall will impact many rivers that are currently experiencing or have recently experienced significant flooding," the weather service said in its warning.
The Illinois River at Morris is under a flood warning until Sunday morning. The river was at 17.5 feet late Wednesday, according to flood warning. Flood stage is 16 feet. Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.
The river is expected to reach 19 feet by Friday morning. At 18.5 feet, water approaches a few homes on Cemetery Road on east side of Morris, according to the weather service.
For the Mazon River, the warning is in effect from Thursday morning to Friday morning. The river was at 5.9 feet late Wednesday night; flood stage is 12 feet.
It is predicted to rise above flood stage by Thursday morning and continue to rise to near 13.5 feet by Thursday evening.
For the Kankakee River near Wilmington, the warning remains in effect until Sunday morning. The river was at 6.6 feet late Wednesday night; flood stage is 6.5 feet. Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast, according to the weather service.
The river is expected to rise to near 8.1 feet by early Friday morning and fall below flood stage by early Sunday morning.
"This river forecast is based on an additional 1.5 to 2 inches of basin average rainfall ending Thursday morning. Crests indicated may be higher or lower based on rainfall amounts that actually occur," the warning states.
Those who encounter a flooded roadway are asked to turn around and find an alternate route.
