Flood damage in Kane County is primarily the result of overbank flooding along streams and the Fox River and local drainage-related flooding due to ponding in isolated depressions, high water tables, and inadequate stormwater infrastructure. Basement flooding can also occur where sanitary sewer systems accept excess stormwater runoff. Although there are isolated areas of frequent flood damage and very rare storm events can occur which will cause widespread damage, overall, documented flood damages are not severe in Kane County relative to some of the more urbanized counties in the region.

Flood damage can be devastating. People die of heart attacks, especially from exertion during a flood fight. Electrocution is a cause of flood deaths, claiming lives in flooded areas that carry a live current created when electrical components short out. Floods also can damage gas lines, floors, and stairs, creating secondary hazards such as gas leaks, unsafe structures, and fires. Fires are particularly damaging in areas made inaccessible to fire-fighting equipment by high water or flood-related road or bridge damage.