AMBOY, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – About 200 people were evacuated from O’Connell’s RV Park on Sunday after heavy rainfall sent floodwaters across the campground, trapping vehicles and making roads impassable.
More than 5 inches of rain fell in the area over 48 hours. Rescue efforts began around 7 a.m., with crews going door to door to warn campers as water rose. Amboy is about 60 miles southwest of Rockford.
The Lee County sheriff’s office coordinated the response with multiple fire and emergency medical services departments. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
Responders used heavy equipment to evacuate people as conditions worsened. One camper described leaving aboard a large military-style vehicle because cars could no longer get through the water. The camper reported seeing submerged golf carts and a car, with water reaching the doors of some structures.
Evacuees were taken to a nearby grocery store, and a reunification site was established at Amboy Central School, according to the Lee County Emergency Management Agency. A temporary shelter also opened, though many displaced campers planned to stay with relatives or friends.
Flooding remained widespread Sunday evening. Emergency management officials reported around 7 p.m. that water still surrounded multiple structures near the campground and covered several roads.
Officials said water levels had receded somewhat, but conditions remained unsafe for vehicles to enter or leave the campground. Campground officials are expected to provide an updated reopening timeline.
