GRAFTON, Ill — River level records here go all the way back to 1803. The flood of 2019 ranks fourth on that list - assuming it doesn't go any higher.
As of the night of Wednesday, May 8, the river is washing away the one thing that keeps the town running - visitors.
Normally, by this time of year the town is flooded with tourists. Average spring and summer weekend crowds can swell this town of about 600 to more than 5,000, said Mayor Rick Eberlin. Some special events draw north of 10,000 visitors.
But with the river about 14 feet above flood stage, Main Street is shut down and several businesses are flooded.
That means they'll have damage to repair, while at the same time they're losing out on several weeks of business.
"We will have businesses—without a doubt— that this flood will do them in," said Eberlin. "You can't blame them."
The mayor said he's working to attract investors who might be able to keep businesses open. In past floods, Eberlin said businesses bought out by the federal government became empty lots and remain that way - costing Grafton a piece of its business district and its character.
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