A warmer, wetter weather forecast includes a flood warning that takes effect in northern Illinois tonight.

With today’s temperatures expected to reach into the high 40s and heavy rainfall predicted, DeKalb County could be flooded, say National Weather Service forecasters, who say upwards of 2 inches of rain will fall on frozen ground and already-melting snow.

Areas along creeks and rivers are in highest danger of flooding, the National Weather Service announced Wednesday afternoon.

Frozen ground also will hasten the surface run-off of rain or snow.

“Anything that falls or anything that melts will just run off,” said NIU staff meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste.

Sebenste said Watson Creek in central campus is prone to the most flooding at NIU, but groundskeepers are preparing for the damage. The creek comes close to the south end of the Neptune Hall complex.

“The grounds department has been notified of the possible flooding,” Sebenste said. “They will be sandbagging Neptune Hall if necessary.”

Other places that might feel flooding include the area behind the Village Commons, and the DeKalb golf course and its surrounding homes.

Homes and businesses around the Kishwaukee River are out of danger, Sebenste said, because of flood walls surrounding it.

Overall, Sebenste said the flooding will be relatively minor, but he urges people in flood-prone areas to take necessary caution.