Recent flooding in McHenry County may be the most damaging the county has ever experienced, at least that's the opinion of several longtime residents.

"They say it's the worst anybody has ever seen," said Greg Boutilier, McHenry County commissioner. "It's the most I've ever seen and I don't want to see it again. I remember '96-'97 being tough, but the water didn't get this high."

Many roads in McHenry County remain covered with water. Efforts are being made to fix the main county roads and then the township roads, many of which have taken the brunt of spring flooding.

"Many roads still are covered up and we haven't even had a chance to think about repairing them yet. Maybe we'll know more in May when the water goes down," said Vern Kongslie, McHenry County commissioner. "Lots of roads were covered or washed out."

One of the hardest hit areas was in and around Buffalo Lodge Lake where only the familiar hilltops near the lake appeared visible this past week, surrounded by a sea of water.

"There's five creeks that drain in that area," explained Boutilier. "Just about all the township roads have caught it. Nobody's ever seen the water that high. The oldtimers there say they've never, ever seen that."

A complete assessment of damage to McHenry County bridges cannot be undertaken until the water recedes. Several were completely covered by rapid moving water. Some of them, such as one on the gravel road leading west out of Bantry, is known to have partially washed out. Konglie believes there are other bridges in worse shape.

"It's still difficult to get around," said Kongslie this past week. "This is going to cause problems for a long time."