MORTON, Ill. (25 News) – Floodwaters have largely receded along Polk Street in Morton following a flash flood Wednesday night, but residents are still dealing with the aftermath of a surge that developed in less than 30 minutes, according to 25 News.
The waterway involved is Bull Run Creek, a regulatory floodway designed to handle up to a 100-year storm event, according to Morton Floodplain Administrator Jamey Bullard.
Polk Street resident Karen Seitz, who lives next to the creek, described the terrifying experience of watching water surround her home.
“Once the water started surrounding my house, I was like, oh my gosh… I was scared. And so I got through it, but it was horrifying. Very horrifying,” Seitz said.
Witness Violet O’Reilly said she and her mother encountered the flooding while driving home.
“It was basically like a lake. It was like crazy… me and my mom, we just saw cars just like sinking down,” O’Reilly said.
O’Reilly also noted seeing a man kayaking through the flooded residential streets.
Bullard said flooding near creeks is not unusual and urged residents to be aware of their flood risk.
“Flooding happens. Flooding isn’t uncommon when you live next to a creek,” Bullard said. “If you look at the regulatory flood maps, this is an area where there would be flooding. People need to be aware.”
The town has not yet determined the total cost of property damage. Public works crews are clearing debris and branches from public property, though officials say residents are responsible for securing and cleaning their own properties.
Public works officials plan to survey the neighborhood to compile damage estimates, a process expected to take several weeks.
Residents can check flood plain hazard maps at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center here.
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