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 24 hours into the future. Changes to the rainfall forecast, or any additional rainfall after 24 hours, may cause changes to these river forecasts. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued by Thursday afternoon.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois... Illinois River at Ottawa affecting La Salle County. Illinois River at La Salle affecting Bureau, La Salle and Putnam Counties. For the Illinois River (Upper)...including Ottawa, La Salle...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Illinois River from Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa downstream to Starved Rock Lock and Dam, including the Ottawa gauge. * WHEN...Until Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...At 464.0 feet, Backwater causes the Fox River to reach bankfull near St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 PM CDT Wednesday the stage was 463.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage Thursday afternoon. - Flood stage is 463.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood