By the Numbers: How Did the April 18 Flood Compare to Previous Floods in Elmhurst?

Seven inches of rain fell in Elmhurst last week in just 15 hours. How does that compare to all the big rains the city has seen over the years?

Acting Mayor Scott Levin wrote a letter to residents on Tuesday that puts the numbers in perspective—and he provided data on a lot of other municipal activities April 17 and 18, as the storm took its toll.

Here's how last week's storm measures up, according to Levin's letter:

"Last week's rains occurred at a time when the ground was already completely saturated and unable to absorb any additional water," Levin wrote. "This significantly increased the amount of water that went into our storm sewer and stream system."

The Elmhurst Quarry worked exactly as it was designed to work. The flooding was not a result of Salt Creek overflowing its banks, but rather due to the fact "that there was more water going into our stormwater system than it could handle," he said.

However, a nine-hour power outage did shut down one of the city's pumps, at the reservoir between Interstate 290 and Interstate 294, he said.

Levin detailed the workload and overtime put in by the Public Works Department, Fire and Police departments and city administration. Following are a few highlights:

• Public Works crews worked, in many cases around the clock, from April 16 to 20
• Off-duty firefighters were called to work between 3 and 4 a.m. April 18
• Fire Department personnel responded to 150 storm-related calls
• Police responded to 200 calls just between 6 and 11 a.m. April 18
• The police garage flooded and all vehicles and police equipment had to be evacuated
• Emergency operations center was opened at 4 a.m. April 18, and staff received hundreds of calls

Emergency personnel responded to calls for flooded basements with hazards, fire alarms, rescues from homes, smoke/electrical investigations, water rescues, traffic accidents with injuries/extrication and more.

"I know firsthand that our city departments and staff met the challenge of this flood emergency," Levin wrote.

But it will take ongoing efforts to improve city's water management system.

"Our Stormwater Task Force has provided valuable information, as have our consultants," Levin wrote. "Our Public Works Department continues to work with our consultants and other governmental agencies to implement recommendations from the task force, consultants and city staff. The City Council will have the important job of balancing the need for improvements against what may be substantial costs. We fully recognize the importance of advancing this effort."

Need Supplies to Help with Cleanup?

DuPage Office of Emergency Management has assembled flood cleanup
kits that include a bucket, mop, bleach and latex gloves, as well as work gloves, garbage bags, shovels, rakes and tarps. They are available at no charge at Fire Station 1, 404 N. York St., and Fire Station 2, 601 S. York St., between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one set per household.

New Dates Set for Spring Cleanup

The annual spring cleanup day has been rescheduled for June 12-14. The event was postponed to allow for cleanup of flood debris. Residents can put items on the curb for pickup without having to purchase waste stickers, and pickup will be on residents' regular garbage days.

Hazardous household waste—old paint, paint thinners, cleaning solutions, etc.—will not be accepted. It is illegal to put electronics at the curb for pickup at any time.

Rain in the Forecast?

The National Weather Service is predicting Tuesday's rain will possibly turn to snow Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with a low of 35 degrees. But hang on: The weekend looks more like spring. Here's how the rest of the week shapes up:

• Wednesday: high 51, 20 percent chance of rain/snow during the day, increasing to 50 percent chance of snow Wednesday night. Low will be 36.
• Thursday: 20 percent chance of snow, high 53, low 37 with clearing skies Thursday night.
• Friday: mostly sunny, high 61, low 47 Friday night
• Saturday: partly sunny, high 64, low 47 Saturday night
• Sunday: mostly sunny, high near 68

Click here for access to all stories related to the flood of 2013.

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