|
|
Governor Quinn Activates Flood Emergency Response
Governor Quinn Activates Flood Emergency Response
Governor Pat Quinn this morning activated the State Incident Response Center (SIRC) in Springfield to assess flooding and severe weather in several areas of the state and expedite assistance that may be needed by local public safety officials to protect citizens. The SIRC will remain open as long as needed to support local responders.
"I urge everyone to stay alert and avoid flooded areas," Governor Quinn said. "Residents should tune in to local TV and radio stations for updated information about any closed routes or evacuations."
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) would like to warn motorists against driving into flood waters and urges extra caution on the roads today. Flood warnings and watches are in place throughout the state, causing flooding on numerous roads, and temporary road closures. As of mid-morning, most flooding problems and weather-related transportation delays were occurring in the northern two-thirds of the state.
"Driving into flooded portions of roads can be dangerous and even deadly, as flood waters can quickly carry your vehicle away," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "Our crews are working diligently to ensure flooded roads are closed off to the motoring public and will continue to monitor the conditions to ensure safety across Illinois throughout the duration of this storm."
Flooding-related driving tips:
- Do not drive through flooded areas
- If a road covered by water seems shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to do so
- If your car stalls, do not attempt to push it out; seek higher ground
For a list of road closures, please visit
http://www.dot.il.gov/road/roadClosures.htm.
For more information on flood safety and real-time updates on today's storms, please visit
http://Ready.Illinois.gov.
|
|
|
