Moderate Flooding Hits West Michigan Communities as Grand River Surpasses Flood Stage

Approximately 100 homes in Comstock Park area were impacted as the Grand River surged past flood stage following several days of sustained rainfall across the watershed.

The Grand River near Comstock Park measured 15.47 feet at its crest on Wednesday, reaching a level Kent County Emergency Management classifies as "moderate flooding," more than three feet above the area's 12-foot flood stage.

"The river near Comstock Park measured 15.47 feet at its crest on Wednesday, which is a level Kent County Emergency Management classifies as moderate flooding, at more than three feet above the area's 12-foot flood stage."

A forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows levels are now beginning to drop and are expected to fall back below flood stage by Sunday afternoon, assuming no additional significant rainfall, officials said.

Downstream at the Grand Rapids gauge, the river measured 18.1 feet Tuesday, just above that location's 18-foot flood stage.

Hardest-Hit Areas Include Plainfield Township and Comstock Park

The hardest-hit areas are in Comstock Park and Plainfield Township, where flooding has impacted homes and basements along:

• Abrigador Trail
• Willow Drive
• Riverbank Street
• Konkle Drive

NOAA reports approximately 100 homes are affected in the Comstock Park area. Secondary roads near the river have also seen closures.

Residents Have Flood Response Strategies

Several neighbors in the Comstock Park area explained their strategy of moving vehicles to higher ground whenever a flood alert is issued, and also said that many households keep a kayak or rowboat ready.

"Some of the most severe flooding has been reported along the Grand River in Grand Rapids, located in west Michigan, according to NOAA Water Prediction Service map, particularly around Comstock Park in Kent County."

Dam Facilities Operating as Designed

The LaBarge, Cascade and Ada dam facilities are operating as designed under high-flow conditions, officials said. Kent County Emergency Management said it is actively monitoring conditions and damage assessment teams are on standby.

Flood Warnings Extended Across Multiple Counties

Flood warnings have been extended for several Michigan rivers as another round of rain was expected to develop Thursday night into Friday morning.

As of April 9, flood warnings remain in place for Barry, Kent, Ottawa, Newaygo, Clinton, Saginaw, Bay, Shiawassee, St. Joseph and Wexford counties.

The NOAA Water Prediction site shows more than 30 Michigan river gauging stations registering above flood stage.

Current rivers under flood warning include:

• Grand River at Lowell, affecting Kent County
• Grand River at Robinson Township, affecting Ottawa County
• Grand River near Comstock Park, affecting Kent County
• Maple River at Maple Rapids, affecting Clinton County
• Muskegon River at Newaygo, affecting Newaygo County
• Muskegon River at Bridgeton, affecting Newaygo County
• Thornapple River above Hastings, affecting Barry County
• Saginaw River at Saginaw, affecting Saginaw and Bay counties
• Shiawassee River at Owosso, affecting Saginaw and Shiawassee counties
• Saint Joseph River at Three Rivers, affecting St. Joseph, Branch and Elkhart counties
• Manistee River near Sherman, affecting Wexford County

The National Weather Service forecasts rainfall amounts generally around half an inch, with localized totals near one inch possible through Friday morning, particularly in the southern Lower Peninsula.

Sources

• https://wwmt.com/news/local/100-homes-comstock-park-lmcu-ballpark-area-grand-rapids-grand-river-surpasses-flood-stage-flooding-water-noaa-kent-county-emergency-management-wwmt
• https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/04/09/michigan-flood-warnings-rivers-rain-outlook-weather-forecast/89532878007