Extensive rainfall in region leads to Embarrass River flood warning

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 12:40 PM

By Steve Anderson

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued another Flood Warning for the Embarras River at Lawrenceville from Tuesday. May 19th through Saturday, May 23rd.

The upper Embarras River Basin was the recipient Monday, May 18th of between 3 to 5 inches of rainfall from a storm system that moved through southcentral and southeastern Illinois. That has led to a significant rise in the river levels along the river as the current moves downstream. Many lower-level creeks and streams are already out of their banks, and some rural roads are reportedly underwater.

The Embarras at Lawrenceville Tuesday morning was measured at 26.5 feet and rising. It is still well below flood stage at Lawrenceville but is now forecast to rise above its 30-foot flood level late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. It is anticipated to crest at 32 feet Thursday and then begin a steady fall to below flood late Friday or early Saturday.

Some minor flooding is occurring along the river east of Lawrenceville.