The heavy rain Saturday night and into Sunday morning has forced the city to shut the floodgates on the main street bridge. This is the second time this year the gates have been closed. Drivers will need to take an alternative route to either side of Ottawa.
Storms Saturday night caused several power outages around the city, some lasting up to nine hours. City utility crews worked tirelessly throughout the night to remove trees from lines and repair lines.
The length of time the gates over the river will be closed is dependent on how quickly water upstream can drain from flooded areas and get down the river. Stay tuned to KOFO for all the latest updates involving the water levels and how long the gates will remain closed. The rains also caused flooding in areas of the city, including forest park, and the area around the Don Woodward center.
Also, if you are out and about this morning be aware there are many roads underwater, we have learned there is only one wat in and out of Rantoul. Vermont and Rock Creek are flooded. You will have to use John Brown road to 59 highway.
