River levels rise following flooding

Local officials are closely watching rising river levels throughout Vermilion County and for signs of flash flooding.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources restricted boating on the Middle Fork River, which was rising pretty quickly Wednesday afternoon, said Ted Fisher, director of the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency.
“It’s been jumping up pretty quick,” Fisher said of the Middle Fork and North Fork river levels.
Just after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Fisher said the Middle Fork had risen half a foot in a half hour and the North Fork River rose two feet Wednesday afternoon, from 5.5 feet to 7.5 feet.
He said the biggest concern, however, will be the possibility of flash flooding through the night when people are driving. He said the chance of rain continues through the night.

Champaign County Emergency Management Agency Director Bill Keller said the area received 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short amount of time late this morning..

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