Flood Warnings remain in effect for rivers in Illinois and Iowa as crews monitor overflowing banks.
Forecasters warn that fresh rounds of heavy rain could bring renewed flooding to the region by the end of the week.
The National Weather Service offices in Chicago, Quad Cities and Milwaukee/Sullivan are all tracking the developing pattern.
That includes an Illinois outlook warning of rises on several more rivers, and a Wisconsin outlook flagging a high risk of dangerous swimming conditions on Lake Michigan.
Des Plaines River in Illinois
NWS Chicago has extended a Flood Warning for the Des Plaines River, from the Illinois-Wisconsin state line downstream to US-41 in Gurnee, until Thursday afternoon.
Minor flooding is occurring and expected to continue.
At the Russell gauge, the river was measured at 7.4 feet Tuesday morning, above the 7-foot flood stage.
Forecasters say low-lying wetlands and agricultural land near the river are already being inundated.
The river is expected to slowly fall below flood stage by the end of the week, though additional rainfall Wednesday and Thursday could bring renewed rises.
Wapsipinicon River in Iowa
In Iowa, NWS Quad Cities has extended a Flood Warning for the Wapsipinicon River near De Witt, affecting Scott and Clinton counties, also until Thursday afternoon.
Moderate flooding is occurring and expected to continue.
The river was measured at 12.0 feet Tuesday morning, a foot above the 11-foot flood stage.
Forecasters say overbank flooding is affecting homes along the river between Wheatland and Calamus, and businesses near Calamus.
The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Thursday morning and continue receding after that.
More Rain, More Rivers at Risk
NWS Chicago has also issued a Hydrologic Outlook warning that several waves of rain, and possibly a few thunderstorms, are likely starting early Wednesday and persisting through Thursday night.
Forecasters say high moisture in the atmosphere could bring torrential downpours and 1 to 3 inches of rainfall on a widespread basis.
Repeated rounds of rain over already saturated soils could lead to flooding and rises on the Rock, Fox, DuPage and Illinois rivers.
Wisconsin: Heavy Rain and Lake Michigan Hazards
NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan says rounds of moderate to heavy rain will move through east central, south central and southeast Wisconsin, mainly Wednesday night into Thursday.
Rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible, with the highest totals expected near the Illinois border.
Forecasters say the rain could bring rises on rivers and ponding of water in low-lying areas across the region.
A High Swim Risk is expected for Lake Michigan beaches in Sheboygan County on Wednesday, as southerly winds build waves to 3 to 5 feet.
A Small Craft Advisory is also expected for nearshore waters north of Port Washington.
Safety Reminders
Drivers near the Des Plaines and Wapsipinicon rivers should never drive around barricades or through flooded roads.
Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Anyone near Lake Michigan beaches in Sheboygan County on Wednesday should stay out of the water and away from piers and breakwalls, where waves can sweep people in without warning.
For live updates, follow NWS Chicago and NWS Milwaukee.
