- Credibility:
ROGERS PARK — A lakeshore flood advisory was issued for the North Side on Wednesday night, with high winds threatening to make the area’s lakeshore erosion problem even worse.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory for Chicago, saying wind gusts as strong as 35 miles per hour could build waves as high as 9 feet. That could cause shoreline flooding and lakeshore erosion, according to the advisory.
The advisory is in place from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 4 p.m. Thursday.
The high winds could exacerbate the Northeast Side’s erosion problems. For years, the rising levels of Lake Michigan have altered the city’s lakeshore, swallowing beaches and causing flooding.
The problem has gotten progressively worse, with condo buildings and other structures along Sheridan Road and other locations now being threatened by the rising waters.
Ahead of the winter months, city officials are bracing for major flooding and erosion issues along the shoreline. A community meeting was held in Rogers Park late last month to discuss the issue and the city’s response to the problem. Solutions include the erecting of concrete barriers to prevent flooding on Lake Shore Drive and the deployment of sandbags to help fortify the lakefront.
Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) sent an email alert to constituents informing them of Wednesday’s flood advisory. Hadden said in the email that lakeshore erosion has “accelerated” due to recent storm activity, and the city has asked the Army Corps of Engineers for emergency assistance.
“We’re working closely with these departments to coordinate information and solutions to protect people and our lakefront,” Hadden said in an email to constituents.
Hadden included the fliers below on how to stay safe and protect properties against shoreline erosion.
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