A Flood Warning means water levels above flood stage are imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. These forecasts are based on observed precipitation as well as forecast precipitation 48 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 48 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. River rises are occurring due to a combination of snow melt and precipitation over frozen ground, and the break of of river ice. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued Friday afternoon at 100 PM CST.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Ottawa affecting La Salle County. Illinois River at La Salle affecting La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties. For the Illinois River (Upper)...including Ottawa, La Salle...Minor flooding is forecast. ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE... * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Illinois River from Starved Rock Lock and Dam downstream to confluence with Big Bureau Creek, including the La Salle gauge. * WHEN...Until further notice. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM CST Thursday the stage was 20.7 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:45 PM CST Thursday was 20.7 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 24.4 feet early Sunday morning. - Flood stage is 20.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood &&