Streets, homes flood in Carol Stream

CAROL STREAM – The villages of Glendale Heights and Carol Stream have both been significantly impacted by the rain and subsequent flooding that hit the western suburbs Thursday morning.

Glendale Heights President Linda Jackson officially declared a disaster at 9:10 a.m. Thursday, activating the Emergency Operations Plan, according to a news release from the village.

At the time the news release was issued, the village had experienced 20 road closures and eight flooded homes. Police and fire response teams also had performed several motor and ambulance assists and reported two accidents.

Carol Stream was subject to 25 road closures, most of which occurred mid-morning, said Christopher Oakley, assistant to the village manager.

At least four village homes had flooded, Oakley said. The areas most directly affected were located along Klein Creek, Thunderbird Creek or one of several detention ponds.

All schools within Glenbard Township High School District 87 were closed Thursday, including Glenbard North in Carol Stream.

Community Consolidated School District 93 canceled classes early Thursday morning, district representatives said. The Glenside Community Talent Show was also canceled.

Both Glendale Heights and Carol Stream are working to combat the floodwater damage.

Public works crews in Glendale Heights are in the process of clearing drains. Sandbags are available to residents at the public works office. Cleanup efforts are underway and are projected to continue into the coming days.

In Carol Stream, St. Luke's Church is serving as a central hub for field crews who are clearing drains, addressing road closures and assisting residents. The church is also functioning as a temporary resource center for flood victims.

“I think the community's fared pretty well,” said Oakley. “People are becoming a lot more resilient.”

Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago is operating as a shelter for displaced residents of the garden units at Preserve Park Apartments.

The village set up thousands of sandbags to prevent flooding early Thursday.

Carol Stream last experienced comparable flooding in July 2010, Oakley said.

DuPage County has opened a regional evacuation center at Benedictine University in Lisle. County Board Chairman Dan Cronin declared a countywide disaster Thursday morning.

Glendale Heights officials urge residents not to drive through standing water or allow children to play near flooded areas or storm drains. Should a power outage occur, officials said to use a flashlight or crank light instead of candles or kerosene lamps. The release also advises residents to monitor generators and ensure ventilation in addition to avoiding power lines and electrical wires.

Those displaced by floodwater should contact the Glendale Heights Police Department for overnight housing.

All residents are asked to monitor conditions via radio and television. Information also is available at www.protectdupage.com.

Glendale Heights residents in need of sandbags are asked to contact 630-260-6040.