The village of North Utica has issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas of the village that have been previously impacted by flooding along the Illinois River.
High waters along the river could potentially flood the first floors, basements or crawl spaces of some structures and will likely impact travel throughout the area, according to a release from the village.
“Due to current information we have received to date and the uncertainty of upcoming weather conditions, the Village is proceeding with mandatory evacuation orders in affected areas,” the release read. “The affected area is generally the same area that was impacted in 2008 and 2013 in any of the low lying areas near and east and south of the Willows hotel towards the river.”
Dee Bennett road was closed to traffic Tuesday evening because of expected flooding. The road will remain closed until the water recedes and debris is cleaned from the highway, a release from the LaSalle County Highway Department stated.
Nearby, in Marsailles, a voluntary evacuation for areas affected in 2013 floods was issued in advance of the rising river conditions.
Anyone evacuating their home is asked to call (815) 795-2001 and leave a message with their name and address.
A mandatory evacuation will be issued when the river level reaches 22 feet, a release from the city said. The release said the river level was last reported to be at 19 feet and could reach 21 feet Wednesday.
