2023 Summer

It seems these days we are experiencing more localized flooding through the metro area.  For your reference, floodplains are defined as any area that floods because of a specific type of storm, most commonly a 100-year storm event.  This storm event is not simply defined as a storm that occurs within 100 years, rather it is a probability description.  In essence, a 100-year storm event has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year while a 50-year storm event has a 2% chance, and a 10-year storm has a 10% chance.  Additionally, the amount of rainfall used to categorize storm events has increased.  What used to be a 100-year storm event in 24 hours was 7.58 inches is now 8.57 inches, a 13% increase.  This means in years past a 7.58 inch rain would have been considered a 100-year storm event, however now it is similar to a 50-year storm event.  Statistically this means that we have a 2% chance of this type of storm (7.58 inches in 24 hours) in any given year.

Strong summer storms seem to appear without warning and can leave a path of debris.  Always have multiple ways to receive alert information such as your cell phone, text messages like Wireless Emergency Alerts, local radio and tv stations, NOAA weather radios, and outdoor sirens.  Know the difference between a watch and a warning.  Watches are meant to keep you alert with an eye on the sky.  While warnings are meant for you to act and look for cover.  A great source for information is weather.gov/lot/severeprepare.  Road crews are dispatched after the storms to ensure that any obstructed roadways have been cleared.  If damage is extensive, road crews can focus on collecting storm damage from private properties.  Please call to schedule a pickup.  We will only collect storm damage if the debris has been placed with branch or cut side facing the edge of the street.  If you have small brush or branches, please tie them with twine in bundles 4 ft. or less in length and 2 ft. or less in diameter.

We are in the process of resurfacing the roadways in the northwest corner of the Township, Hillside Road Subdivisions including Crooked Creek Trail.  Earlier this year, we trimmed all the parkway trees for roadway clearance and removed any dead or diseased trees.  Next, we surveyed the roadways for drainage concerns and made corrections needed to ensure positive drainage.  We milled the roadways 2”, inspected, patched, primed, and resurfaced with 2” of asphalt surface course.  Finally, we. installed high intensity prismatic traffic signs and recessed roadway delineators to provide better retro-reflectivity of sight.  To keep our roadways fully maintained and functional, permits are necessary for any home or driveway improvement.  Permits are free of charge and easy to complete.  We use the permits, certificate of insurance and surety bond to document contractors and hold them accountable for any accidental damage that may occur within the roadway right of way.  For permit applications and supporting documentation visit our website roaddistrict.com.

Thank you once again for your continued support.  We continue to update our website and Facebook pages with information pertaining to permitting, the weather, upcoming and completed projects, and services we offer.  If you have any questions, concerns, or need any additional information regarding our services please feel free to email me at adelmar@palatinetownship-il.gov or call us at 847.358.6336.