ROCK FALLS, Illinois -- Three people have evacuated their Rock Falls home because of flash flooding in the area.
On Thursday morning, May 30, Melvin Road was blocked off due to high water coming from Howland Creek. The road spans about one-mile road between Route 30 and Dixon Avenue.
There are about 20-25 homes in the area, where people are sheltering in place. One household did evacuate, according to Cris Bouwens, Deputy Chief with Rock Falls Fire Department.
Bouwens said more evacuations may be necessary later on.
Drivers are reminded to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Barricades were set up to prevent people from driving in Melvin Road.
The American Red Cross has been called in to assist displaced people.
A spokesperson from the Red Cross said they were on standby and prepared to open a shelter at Amboy High School, but wound up not opening it. Going forward, if a shelter is needed they will open it in a different location.
Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said a no wake ordinance on the Rock River was being put into effect. He said everyone is urged to stay off the Rock River and that "dangerous conditions will make navigation and rescue operations difficult."
