Tag Archives: flooding

Localized flooding possible over next 48 hours

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WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Due to the rain and snow, rivers such as the Grand River, are expected to rise and cause flooding in some areas. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Sustained rainfall in the region has resulted in more runoff and higher water levels on local rivers than originally anticipated. The National Weather Service is expecting several rivers to be at, or near flood stage, by the end of the day on Friday (April 7), particularly the Grand River in Comstock Park which will experience moderate flooding. Additionally, increased flows on local waterways are likely to erode riverbanks resulting in water encroaching further onto some properties than normal, which could result in property damage.

Residents in these areas should pay special attention to water levels:

  • GRAND RIVER IN COMSTOCK PARK – Currently at 12.7 feet – Will gradually increase until Friday evening when it crests at or near 15 feet.  This crest represents MODERATE flooding which we have not seen since May of 2020.
  • GRAND RIVER IN ADA – Currently at 17.13 feet (Action Stage) – Will somewhat rapidly increase until Thursday night when it levels off around 19.7 feet. This crest is still within “Action” stage, but very close to “Minor Flooding”.
  • GRAND RIVER IN LOWELL – Currently at 12.79 feet (Action Stage)– Will quickly rise and then level off around 14.9 feet (just under “Minor Stage” on Friday evening before receding.
  • BUCK CREEK IN GRANDVILLE – Currently at 7.24 feet – Will quickly rise to 8 feet (Action Stage) on Thursday morning and then recede.

The Kent County Emergency Operations Center is currently under a level 1, limited activation to assess the situation. “Emergency Management and our partner organizations have been actively monitoring the severe weather and flooding concerns in Kent County,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groesser.  “While we were fortunate to have been spared from some of the severe weather threats today, we expect to be dealing with localized flooding, especially in the Comstock Park area, through the weekend.”

If flooding occurs in your area, Kent County Emergency Management recommends the following actions to protect you and your family:

During floods

  • Stay out of flood waters. Flood water moves faster than it appears and can carry debris, which might injure you. Additionally, there is a danger of electrical shock from downed and exposed power lines. Children should never play around high water, storm drains, or viaducts.
  • Avoid driving in flood water as vehicles can easily be swept away. If you are stranded and surrounded by flood waters, call or text 911 immediately.
  • Flood water can be dangerous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flood water can contain dangerous bacteria and other pollutants, including raw sewage.

     

If flooding does occur in your area, avoid contact with flooded areas and wash up if contact does occur. Listen to public announcements or contact your local health department to find out if your tap water is safe to use.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michiganders who get their drinking water from wells to get their well water tested following a flood event. More information is available by calling the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.

Click here (https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=grr) to monitor river level forecasts of a particular river or geographical area.

Remember, if you encounter water over any roadway – “TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.”

National Weather Service extends flood warnings, many area rivers continue to rise

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The Grand River continues to rise with it expected to reach 21 feet. Flood stage for the Grand River is 18 feet in Grand Rapids.

The National Weather Service has extended flood warnings this morning for the Grand River and the Thornapple River. The warnings extended include:

 

The Thornapple River is expected to rise to near 10.9 feet by midnight tonight. Flood state is 10 feet in Caledonia.

Thornapple River Near Caledonia: extended until Monday morning. Thursday the stage was 10.7 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. The river will continue rising to near 10.9 feet by after midnight tonight. The river will fall below flood stage Sunday before midnight.

 

Grand River in Ada: extended from this evening to Tuesday morning. Thursday the stage was 18.7 feet. Flood stage is 20.0 feet.  Moderate flooding expected, with levels to rise above flood stage by this evening and continue to rise to near 22.5 feet by Saturday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Monday evening.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: extended until Tuesday evening. Thursday the stage was 15.5 feet (flood stage is 18.0 feet). The forecast calls for the river to rise above flood stage after midnight tonight and continue to rise to near 21.0 feet by early afternoon Saturday. The river will fall below flood stage by Tuesday morning.

 

Grand River at Lowell: until late Tuesday night. Thursday the stage was 15.1 feet; flood stage is 15.0 feet. Moderate flooding is expected as the river will continue rising to near 18.4 feet by tomorrow evening. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.

 

Staff from Kent County Emergency Management continue to work with communities and agencies for flood response. “The flooding in 2013 reached historic levels and taught us lessons that we are holding true to today,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “If you live in an area that is flooding and feel the situation could become dangerous, evacuate immediately. We were fortunate nearly five years ago that while there was property damage, no one was injured. We anticipate the next few days to be the most critical during this event.”

 

County, State, or Federal funding is not available for those who suffer personal property damage. “Residents who experience property damage should contact their insurance company immediately,” said Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker. “We’ve heard from some residents who are confused about any funding, but the bottom line is homes that are built in low flood plains, drainage easements and natural water flow lands that are flooding are the responsibility of the home owner.”

 

Two sites are providing residents updates about flooding along with information and fact sheets:

 

Kent County:  www.accesskent.com/News/flood

Grand Rapids: www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home/Emergency-Announcements/Important-Weather-Update

 

“We continue to closely monitor the river levels and are using our fire department drone for daily observations of conditions,” Fire Chief John Lehman said. “We plan to post video from the drone on the City’s social media channels.” Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.

 

Kent County Road Commission crews are investigating standing water and flooded areas and placing barricades and flashers where necessary. Please slow down and heed warnings and closures. “We are also collaborating with neighboring road agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts. Road closures and other vital information will be updated throughout the event and posted to kentcountyroads.net, Facebook and Twitter,” said Steve Warren, Managing Director. Crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, removing debris and patching potholes.

 

Again, reminders regarding flooding:

 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car.  If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.

 

  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.

 

  • If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

  • Keep pets away from flood waters.

 

  • If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.

 

  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

 

  • If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.

 

KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 2, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., subject to change)

Sorensen Ave (22 Mile Rd to Sprague)

Grosvenor St (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (7 Mile Rd to M-44)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit Ave (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske Dr (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

18 Mile Rd (White Creek Ave to Simmons)

12 Mile Rd (Wolverine to Summit)

12 Mile Rd (Edgerton to Algoma)

Whipple St (Shaner Ave to Myers Lake)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Hall St)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle Dr (east of Jupiter)

Indian Dr (off West River)

River Point (off Indian Dr)

Abrigador Trail (off West River)

Abrigador Trail (off West River Center)

Willow (off 4 Mile Rd)

Willow Dr (off Canright)

Willow (off Bailey Park)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

68th St (Wingeier to Pratt)

Northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th St

Emergency Management, County and City Agencies respond as river levels rise

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With the amount of rain that has happened over the last couple of days, flooding has become a concern in most of Kent County.

Kent County Emergency Management, along with numerous agencies, continues to monitor and respond to flooding emergencies being seen throughout the area.  Floodwaters are having a dramatic impact on transit and housing. The waters will likely continue to rise through Saturday, causing many additional concerns for businesses and residents.

 

“The Sheriff’s Office and I are working closely with the National Weather Service, State and County agencies, the City of Grand Rapids, other impacted communities, as well as American Red Cross and Salvation Army,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Our primary goal is the safety and well-being of our residents and first responders. While the levels are not expected to be as high as they were in 2013, we still need to be as diligent in our response.”

 

In the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, flooding has been reported on Patterson Avenue (28th Street to Burton Avenue) along eat right lane in both directions; the northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th Street and the northbound US-131 off ramp to 28th Street. For a current list of flooded roads, check the bottom of this story or visit the Kent Count Road Commission’s Facebook page.

 

The City of Grand Rapids is working closely with Kent County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service on monitoring water levels and is prepared to activate its flood plan, Fire Chief John Lehman said.

 

“We are working to communicate to all parties directly impacted if flooding occurs and who have flood protection measures in place,” Lehman said. “We are well-prepared to respond if flooding occurs.” The City’s upgraded flood wall system provides protection up to 25 feet of river crest. Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.

 

The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) is updating information on road closures regularly on its website as well as social media accounts. “KCRC crews continue to investigate standing water and flooded areas and are placing barricades and flashers where necessary. We are assessing roads and are closing/opening them as conditions warrant. Motorists are asked to slow down and heed warnings and closures,” said Kent County Road Commission Managing Director Steve Warren. “Today, our crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, repairing washouts and patching potholes. In these conditions, heavy grading equipment would worsen conditions on gravel roads. Therefore, crews will grade gravel roads when dryer conditions allow.”

 

Again, reminders regarding flooding:

 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car.  If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.

 

  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.

 

  • If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

  • Keep pets away from flood waters.

 

  • If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.

 

  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

 

  • If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.

 

 

KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 21, 2018 at 8 a.m., subject to change)

Sorensen (22 Mile Rd to Sprague)

Grosvenor (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Peach Ridge Ave (8 Mile Rd to 9 Mile Rd)

2 Mile Rd (Pettis to Egypt Valley)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle (east of Jupiter)

McPherson (Lincoln Lake Ave to Alden Nash Ave)

Cherry Valley Ave (84th St to 76th St)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

 

County prepares for anticipated flooding as river levels rise

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Due to the rain and snow, area rivers such as the Grand River, are expected to rise and cause flooding in some areas. This is along the walkway of the Grand River.

Kent County Emergency Management is working closely with the Grand Rapids Office of the National Weather Service to monitor potential flooding over the coming days. Watches and warnings are in effect throughout Kent County for the Grand River, Rogue River and Thornapple River. Comstock Park, Rockford and Lowell could experience flooding issues, especially in low-lying areas near the rivers.

 

Kent County Emergency Management says the recent snow melt, coupled with the forecast of 1-3” of rain, are points of concern. “Our Emergency Operations staff will continue monitor the situation throughout the week,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Right now, it appears the biggest risk will likely be in basements or in homes closest to the rivers.” If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with E coli. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

Stewart says there are a few items to keep in mind regarding flooding:

  • Road closures are possible in some areas. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.
  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.
  • Keep pets away from flood waters.
  • Prepare in advance. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.
  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.