Heavy rainfall overnight led to flooding in parts of Mt. Carmel's Carriage Hills subdivision, with approximately four inches of rain falling in a short period of time.
Speaking Friday morning on WSJD, Mayor Joe Judge said homes along Michael Avenue experienced significant flooding as stormwater overwhelmed drainage areas.
Judge said he responded to the area near the old railroad trestle, where clogged culverts and a fallen tree were restricting the flow of water.
He was able to remove debris, and by Friday morning the water had begun to recede.
Judge said while the city maintains its own drainage ditches, many waterways that carry runoff are located on private property. He reminded property owners that under Illinois law, it is their responsibility to keep private ditches clear to help prevent flooding.
The mayor noted the city dealt with a similar issue several years ago on the west side of town, when officials traced flooding problems to blocked sections of Greathouse Creek. He said the city worked with landowners to remove those obstructions and also cleaned the creek outlet near the city's water wells to improve drainage.