Illinois Governor Declares 3 Counties Disaster Areas

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has issued a state disaster proclamation for Lake, McHenry and Kane counties.

Rauner on Friday also directed Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director James K. Joseph to activate the State Emergency Operations Center as needed to coordinate any requests for assistance from flood-impacted communities.

Rauner said the proclamation will ensure the state continues to provide whatever assistance is needed now and in the coming days as the affected counties begin recovery efforts.

Illinois officials say about 6,800 buildings have been affected by "unprecedented" flooding north of Chicago, and the damage is expected to worsen this weekend as water flows down rivers into the state from Wisconsin.

He says "This is an unprecedented flood" and waterways will hit record levels.