PEORIA – As of this morning (April 22, 2013), the Illinois River is rising according to predictions. At 6:45 a.m. the river was observed at 29.06 feet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is holding to its prediction of a 30’ crest on Tuesday afternoon. The City continues to monitor NOAA predictions as well as first hand observations of activity. City officials have been working with property owners up and down the river to ensure that they are properly prepared.

In downtown Peoria, the temporary flood wall along Water Street has been completed and is holding firm. The wall is holding back between 18” and 20” of water. Another 12” of water is expected. There is some minor seepage through the wall that is being handled by pumps. The City has a number of spare pumps on hand in the unlikely case of major breach. A secondary wall of sandbags was also constructed nearer the buildings in the 300 block of SW Water. City personnel is monitoring the barricade continuously.

The National Weather Service is predicting thunderstorms for Tuesday, April 22, 2013 with up to 1” of rain and 10-20 mph winds from the northwest. According to NOAA, this rain should have no impact on river levels in Peoria and they have not revised their projections. The City is concerned about storm water run-off on the “dry side” of the flood wall. In addition to staging water pumps and additional sandbags in the area, the City is taking steps to mitigate these circumstances.

The City has closed Water Street from Eaton (Murray Baker Bridge) south to just past Harrison. Liberty and Main Streets are also closed between Washington and Water. The parking deck at 401 SW Water Street, portions of the Michel East parking lot next to Hooters and the businesses in the 500 and 600 blocks of SW Water Street are all accessible. Access to the post office is from State Street only.

With the multiple road closures and entrance and exit of work vehicle, the City is discouraging people from driving to Water Street to observe the flood. If individuals want to view the area, the City recommends parking west of Washington Street and walking to the museum block. The platform around the museum is a good vantage point that will not interfere with ongoing operations. Please do not enter work zones or climb on or over the flood wall.

Please use caution when driving, biking or walking near flooded areas. Never drive your car through standing water since hazards such as pot holes or debris can be hidden by the water. The City has barricaded a number of hazards throughout the City, including closed streets along the river and at the intersection of Allen and Alta Road. We have observed multiple people moving barricades or weaving through barricades in their vehicles. Officers have been ordered to strictly enforce these barricades and write tickets to any offenders.

For more information, please contact City Manager Patrick Urich at (309) 472-8216 or Assistant City Manager Chris Setti at (309) 472-6291.