The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is closing roadways and erecting warning signs to alert area drivers to potential hazards after days of heavy rainfall.

Signs warning of water on pavement have been set up on Brinker Road at Algonquin Road. Standing water has been reported to be on Brinker Road south of Otis, between Goose Lake Drive and Algonquin Road. 

Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when encountering water on any roadway and keep the following information and tips in mind:
–    Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water and you could be stranded or trapped.
–    Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
–    Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
–    Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
–    Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
–    A foot of water will float many vehicles.
–    Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-up trucks.

(Information courtesy of Cook County Dept. of Transportation & Highways)