Joliet, Illinois – During the recent period of cold temperatures, significant ice has developed along most of the Kankakee River from the Kankakee area downstream to the Des Plaines River southwest of Channahon. With ice development comes the possibility of an ice jam that can cause flooding. Under some conditions, flooding can occur very rapidly.

To help reduce the potential for an ice jam, the Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will begin utilizing the warm water siphon system which draws water from Exelon Corporation's Dresden Power Station cooling lake to melt some of the ice build-up currently on the river. The siphon will be activated for a two-week period.

Together with more moderate temperatures, the ice cover on the river is expected to deteriorate significantly during this period.

This is a period of changing river conditions. Even with the use of the siphon, an ice jam can develop quickly and cause flash flooding with little or no warning. Residents are urged to remain alert for flash flooding and to avoid venturing out onto the ice-covered river.

94.1 WGFA