West Michigan Rivers Head Toward Major Flood Stage After Days of Rain
West Michigan rivers are heading toward major flood levels after days of heavy rain, with the Grand River forecast to reach 16.4 feet near Comstock Park.
Grand River Forecast to Reach 16.4 Feet Near Comstock Park
Recent rainfall has pushed West Michigan's rivers toward major flooding levels, with the Grand River expected to crest at over 16 feet in Comstock Park.
Key Details
- Grand River at Comstock Park: Forecast to reach 16.4 feet on Tuesday
- Flood stage: 12 feet (minor), 15.70 feet (major)
- Affected areas: Approximately 100 homes in Comstock Park and Plainfield Township
- Flood warning: In effect until at least Wednesday
Major river flooding is forecast to impact parts of West Michigan after the area saw 2-4+ inches of rain during the last few days.
The hardest hit area will be near Comstock Park along the Grand River. At 16 feet, major flooding occurs near homes along Abrigador Trail, Willow Drive, Riverbank Street and Konkle Drive.
Multiple Rivers on Warning
The flood warning also covers several other waterways across West Michigan:
- Thornapple River: Near Caledonia and Hastings, on minor flood warning until at least late Wednesday evening
- Portage River: Near Vicksburg, included in NWS warning
- Muskegon River: Near Newaygo, expected to reach minor flood stage
- Van Lopik Avenue: In Robinson Township, Ottawa County, expected to see foot or two of water
Kent County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management said flooding was not widespread, but water was over the street along Abrigador Trail off West River Drive in Comstock Park.
What Residents Should Do
Emergency managers are asking people who live in flood-prone areas to prepare before the rivers crest:
- Move valuables to higher levels
- Check sump pumps
- Clear drains
- Never drive through flooded roadways
- Avoid walking through floodwaters
Authorities use the motto "turn around, don't drown" to remind residents of the dangers.
Current Conditions
As of Monday noon, NOAA recorded the Grand River at 13.6 feet in Comstock Park, which is above minor flood stage at 12 feet. The river was expected to reach nearly 15.4 feet, in the moderate flood stage, by around 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Some river levels are expected to crest Tuesday night, but may not start to recede until the end of the week.
The sheriff's office added that flow is high for dams along the Thornapple River.
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