ROCKFORD — Residents along the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers were forced to evacuate their homes over the weekend and into Monday morning as rising floods waters continued to ravage the area.

Residents in Machesney Park were forced from their homes on Sunday, the Register Star reported, and at least one residence required a water rescue Monday morning along Marquette Road. The Rock River was nearly 3 feet above flood stage at Latham Park, Monday morning.

Further west, the Pecatonica River was forcing road closures throughout Stephenson County as high waters continued to impact the area.

Parts of the Pecatonica were nearly 10 feet above flood stage last week as heavy rains and snowmelt combined to submerge areas west of Rockford.

The river was still more than 3 feet above flood stage Monday, and large portions of Freeport were reportedly underwater.

The rain that has covered much of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin has finally pulled out of the area, and forecasters aren’t calling for any more precipitation until Thursday, when light rain and snow showers are expected.

Flood Warnings are still in effect along the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers. Officials are warning travelers that if they encounter a flooded roadway, to turn around and seek an alternate route. Even moderate flood waters can wash a large vehicle off the road. R.