3 years, 11 months ago by Scott Hardy
Gov. Pritzker activates National Guard to help with sandbagging
The Illinois River is now forecast to go above major flood stage at several locations this weekend, which has prompted Governor J. B. Pritzker to call out the National Guard.
A statement Thursday from the Governor's office says he's activated nearly 60 Illinois National Guard soldiers for State Active Duty to help local efforts and assist with the state’s response efforts. Governor Pritzker has issued a state disaster proclamation for Pike, Scott, Morgan and Grundy counties. Those soldiers will see a change in how they operate, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They'll be tested before they deploy, and they'll be issued PPE to use while working in conditions where they can't use social distancing procedures. They'll also be housed within the community to ensure the virus isn't being brought into the affected communities. To help with the state’s flood fighting efforts, the Department of Corrections has initiated sandbags operations at prisons Mt. Sterling, Pittsfield and Jacksonville. The Illinois Department of Corrections says all three facilities are currently free of COVID-19.
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service says that the River will go above major flood stage at LaGrange Lock and Dam, Meredosia and Valley City. The Weather Service says that at LaGrange Lock and Dam, the river will go above the 29-foot major flood stage Friday morning, and crest at 32 feet Monday afternoon. At Meredosia, the Illinois will rise above the 24-foot major flood stage Friday night, and crest at 26 feet Monday night. At Valley City, the Illinois River will rise above the 23 foot major flood stage Sunday morning, and crest at 24 feet Tuesday morning. At Beardstown, the Illinois will crest at 27 feet Sunday night, a foot below major flood stage
