Tag Archives: National Weather Service

With more cold temperatures, snow, residents encouraged to stay off the roads

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Video of a Jan. 9, 2015 150-plus car pile up on I-94.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Random white out conditions and the coldest day since 1994 have created some icy road conditions for most of West Michigan, which is why area police are encouraging residents to stay home.

While three of the area highways, I-96, US 131, and M-6, were shut down at various times yesterday, the Jan. 9, 2015 150-plus car pile up on I-94 remains one of the largest in the state’s history. That accident took place between Battle Creek and Galesburg. There were explosions as fireworks carried on trucks ignited and fires burned, however; only one person was killed in the 2015 accident.

Area police are not interested in seeing a repeat of the I-94 accident and have encouraged residents to not go out if it is not necessary. In fact, schools to business, including Woodland Mall, were closed Wednesday due to the weather conditions, which according to the National Weather Service will continue through Thursday.

The National Weather Service website states we should expect snow showers with rapid changes to visibility (near zero at times), intense bursts of snow, gusty winds, and snow and ice-covered roads. Temperatures will be dangerously cold, with wind chills tonight through Thursday morning between -20 and -40 below. These low temperatures can cause frostbite in under 10 minutes and hypothermia.

Last night I-96, US 131, and M-6 were closed due to accidents. All had accidents involving more than 20 cars with Kent County Sheriff officers stating drivers were not aware of accidents on the expressways and when they came upon them, were not able to stop.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Department has told drivers if they are out, to slow down, keep a space between you and the car in front of you, and be prepared for whiteout conditions.

From the National Weather Service website

The National Weather Service advises that in whiteout conditions:

  • Drivers drive with low beam or fog lights on to avoid reflection from snow and ice
  • If you have to pull over, try to find an exit or a parking lot, do not stop in a traffic lane or along the shoulder
  • Be patient and avoid changing lanes too often
  • Slow down
  • Keep your windows and mirrors clear to maximize visibility.
From the National Weather Service website


It is advised that residents make sure to check business and doctor offices to confirm that they are open before heading out on the roads. Some schools, such as Byron Center and Kentwood Public Schools, already have announced they will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 31. Grand Rapids Public Schools will be closed Thursday, Jan. 31, and Friday, Feb. 1.

Lastly, be prepared for an emergency on the road. Take extra blankets or a sleeping bag, food, water, a flashlight, make sure your phone is fully charged, and that your gas tank is full. Condensation can form in an empty gas tank and in the current cold temperatures that can freeze putting ice in your fuel lines and cause no-start conditions.

Also, here are some snowy street tips from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.


Two neighborhood clean ups set for tomorrow, depending on weather

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The Annual Division Avenue Clean up is set for Saturday from 7:45 – 10 a.m.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Two neighborhood groups plan to hit the streets Saturday, April 14, for annual clean ups along Division Avenue and 28th Street.

 

At 7:45 a.m., community members are invited to meet at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, for the Division Avenue Annual Clean-Up hosted by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA). Work will be along Division Avenue from 28th Street to 44th Street. The event is from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

 

Abundant Life Church is hosting the Team Up to Clean Up event for 28th Street. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Volunteers will be working along 28th Street from Burlingame Avenue to Byron Center Avenue. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with lunch provided.

 

Of course with the National Weather Service having placed the Kent County under a winter storm watch, organizers of the event advise residents to double check that events are taking place before heading out.

 

For the Division Avenue clean up, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.

 

For the 28th Street event, visit the event page by clicking here or got to the Abundant Life Church of God Facebook page.

GVSU cancels Lubbers Cup Regatta due to potential storm

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Action from the annual Lubbers Cup Regatta. (Supplied/Lubbers Cup)

With portions of West Michigan under a winter storm watch, including Kent and Ottawa counties, Grand Valley State University officials announced that they have cancelled the Lubbers Cup Reggatta for this weekend.

 

According to organizers the main issue is the winds that are expected to be up to 40 miles an hour. That makes any body of water unprovable, organizers stated in a letter to the teams. On top of that the National Weather Service is calling for a cold hard rain that could turn into ice. With temperatures dropping into the 30s as a high and not enough shelter, it was decided by organizers to cancel the regatta event.

 

From the National Weather Service as of 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 13: Active weather from a slow-moving storm system is expected through Monday. Substantial disruptions to commerce and weekend activities will be possible from the snow, ice and wind, especially in central to northern portions of Michigan. Travel may become dangerous in portions of northern Michigan from heavy snow as well as blowing and drifting snow. Ice pellets (sleet) or rain freezing on contact (freezing rain) is likely Saturday into Sunday in a large portion of Central Lower Michigan. The ice accumulations and strong winds may create multi-day power outages. Grand Rapids and Lansing could become cold enough for a portion of Saturday or Saturday night for a period of freezing rain.

National Weather Service offers class on how to be weather spotter

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The National Weather Service will be hosting a SKYWARN Basic Spotter Training Thursday, March 1, at Hudsonville Hudsonville High School, 5037 32nd Ave., Hudsonville.

 

Each year, United States citizens cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 flood, 1,200 tornadoes, and two landfall hurricanes. Approximately 90 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, causing around 500 deaths each year and nearly $14 million in damage.

 

In the 1960s, the National Weather Service developed a program to trained weather spotters who provide reports of severe and hazardous weather to help meteorologists make lifesaving warning decisions. Spotters are concerned citizens, amateur radio operators, truck drivers, mariners, airplane pilots, emergency management personnel, and public safety officials who volunteer their time and energy to report on hazardous weather impacting their community.

 

During the summer, SKYWARN weather spotters could report on such summer weather hazards as tornadoes, thunderstorms, lighting, flooding, heat, hurricanes, rip currents, wildfires and air quality drought. For more about the SKYWARN program, visit skywarn.org.

 

The March 1 training is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Those interested should register at https://skywarn2018.eventbrite.com. The training is free.

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)

 

Learn about rip currents before heading to Lake Michigan through WKTV program

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With Lake Michigan only being about an hour away, it is easy during a hot summer day to pack up the family and head to the beach to enjoy the sand and waves.

 

Those waves also contribute to Lake Michigan being the deadliest of the Great Lakes. In fact, Grand Haven has one of the highest current related incidents, 109 from 2002 to the present according to the National Weather Service. Of those incidents, eight have resulted in deaths.

 

The major cause of those incidents have been rip currents. To help increase awareness about riptides the National Weather Service has designated the first week in June as National Rip Current Awareness Week. In honor of that, WKTV will air “Respect the Power,” on Channel 25 June 5 at 9:30 a.m.; June 6 at 6:30 p.m.; June 7 at 11:30 a.m. and June 9 at 7:30 p.m.

 

The video was produced by the Great Lakes Beach & Pier Safety Task Force and was created in memory of Andrew Burton Fox and Daniel Reiss, both who were swept off the Grand Haven pier and drowned in Lake Michigan.

 

According to Grand Haven officials, rip currents and powerful breaking waves are common in the area of the pier. But education, including recognizing what a riptide looks like and what to do if you are caught in one, can increase the chances of a happy outcome.

 

From the “Respect the Power” website, it states that the Great Lakes are better understood as inland seas rather than lakes. Storms not he lakes can easily generate waves up to 30 feet in the most sever storms. However, even smaller waves can be dangerous.

 

When waves break, water is pushed up the slope of the shore. Gravity pulls this water back toward the lake. When the water converges in a narrow, river-like current moving away from the shore, it forms what is know as a rip current. Rip currents can be 50 feet to 50 yards or more wide. They can flow to a point just past the breaking waves or hundreds of yards offshore. You can sometimes identify a rip current by its foamy and choppy surface. The water in a rip current may be dirty from the sand being turned up by the current. The water may be colder than the surrounding water. Waves usually do not break as readily in a rip current as in adjacent water.

 

According to both the “Respect the Power” and the National Weather Service websites, if caught in a rip current, try to relax. A rip current is not an “undertow” and will not pull you under. Do not try to swim against the current as this is very difficult, even for an experience swimmer. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim directly toward shore. If you are tired, tread water and float and call and wave for assistance. The current will carry you to the end or head of the current, where once rested you can swim back to shore.

 

Some other water safety tips:

 

1. Learn to swim.

 

2. Check with a lifeguard or with the park’s current conditions board before entering water.

 

3. Never swim alone.

 

4. Never dive headfirst into unknown waters or shallow breaking waves.

 

5. Piers are navigational structures and not designed as walkways, proceed at your own risk.

 

6. Do not jump or dive off pier structures.

 

7. Avoid piers when waves begin to spill over the pier surface.

 

8. To avoid rip currents, avoid swimming in areas that are discolored with sand and has a choppy or foamy surface.

 

9. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore (about 30-50 yards) to get out of the rip current before swimming to shore.

 

10. Protect yourself from the sun. Use sun screen.

Kent County to start testing of tornado/high winds warning sirens in April

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Damage from the 2016 tornado in the City of Wyoming.

By Lisa LaPlante

Kent County Community Liaison and Communications Director

 

In 2016, the August 20 tornado outbreak across West Michigan caused more than five million dollars in damage. The National Weather Service determined that six tornadoes touched down in a matter of hours, including two EF0 tornadoes in Grandville, Wyoming and Grand Rapids. The State of Michigan was hit by 16 tornadoes last year, just slightly higher than the average 15 per year. Kent County has a system of sirens to alert residents of high winds or tornadoes. Starting Friday, April 7, and continuing on the first Friday of every month at noon through October, tornado alarm testing will be heard in Kent County homes and businesses.

 

Ideal Park was loved for its dense tree canopy now lost from the 2014 tornado.

It is important to plan in advance for disasters to know how you and your family will get to a safe place, how to contact each other and what to do in different situations. “Traffic was a dilemma in the initial hours after the tornadoes hit Kent County last August,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Trees and debris in roadways made getting around difficult. Determine a location where you will meet your family during an emergency, both near your house and further away, in case your neighborhood streets are closed.”

 

If a disaster occurs, it may be easier to make a phone call to a designated out-of-town contact, as phone lines may be overwhelmed. Make sure that person is aware that he or she is the designated contact. Pet owners should have a disaster plan for pets as well. This is a great time to review severe weather plans, refresh supplies and make sure preparations are complete. Check flashlights and stock up on fresh batteries. Homes should have enough fresh drinking water and canned food items for three days, a can opener, an all-weather radio, and a first aid kit.

 

If you don’t hear the sirens April 7 at noon, please contact your local township or city office. Be vigilant whenever severe weather is in the forecast. While no location is completely safe from a tornado or severe thunderstorm, it is important to seek all possible protection. For more about severe weather, go to http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/SWApacket_554981_7.pdf.

Smartphone apps are available that will provide notification of weather watches and warnings. Severe weather watch means the potential exists for the development of storms/tornadoes, so be mindful of changing conditions. Severe weather warning mean that storms are imminent or occurring. Move indoors to a place of safety. If it is a Tornado Warning, take shelter in a location on the lowest level of the building, such as the basement, or in a small, windowless room at the innermost part of the building.

Wyoming works to clean up after Saturday’s tornado

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It’s the Monday after and residents and city officials of Wyoming continue to assess the damages left after Saturday’s tornado passed through the city.

 

The National Weather Service teams are currently surveying the damage caused and have confirmed tornado-related damage in Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa and Kent counties. In its preliminary review, the National Weather Service has the tornado in Wyoming listed as an EF-0 which is weakest rating with winds between 65 to 85 mph. The tornados in Van Buren, Allegan and Ottawa were listed as EF-1 with winds 86 to 110 mph in the preliminary findings. The 2014 tornado that hit Wyoming was classified as an EF-1.

 

There were no related deaths or injuries from the storm just trees up rooted hitting homes and blocking roads along with a lot of debris.

 

“The teams at City Hall have been working through the weekend, answering residents’ questions, connecting them with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.,” said Mary Ann Sabo with Sabo PR, the city’s public relations firm.

 

In fact, shortly after the storm, Mayor Jack Poll, in a video on the city’s Facebook page, was talking to residents and mentioned he was among the city officials going door-to-door in affected neighborhoods checking on residents. Other city staff was out clearing debris, inspecting structures and responding to medical emergencies.

 

In a statement released today, Poll said “Our Public Safety teams have done a tremendous job handling first response calls, and we so appreciate the support from Kent County and neighboring jurisdictions. Public Works, Inspections, Parks & Recreation, along with our Administrative team, have done an incredible job meeting the needs of our residents. Storm cleanup is well underway, with neighbors helping neighbors.”

 

Wyoming received helped from several departments from Byron Township, Caledonia, Cutlerville, Dutton, Kentwood, Georgetown, and Grandville.

 

Because of commitments to help clean up, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan said they have lost a few volunteers for this weekend’s Metro Cruise, but the event is expected to take place Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27 as scheduled.

 

“The city has a crisis response plan that was immediately put into play,” Sabo said. “The process is to focus on immediate needs first, then turn attention to areas like parks.”

 

Due to damage and safety concerns, five of the city parks are close until further notice. Those parks are Pinery, Lemery, Prairie, Ferrand and Buck Creek. The Parks & Recreation team is contacting those with park reservations to see if events can be relocated or rescheduled. Reservations canceled by the storm will be refunded unless the reservation was relocated to another park or facility. For reservation questions, call 530-3164.

 

As of today, Consumers Energy has restored power to all but a few homes in Wyoming. Working with the American Red Cross, a resource center has been set up at Gladiolia Elementary School, 3500 Gladiola Ave. SW today through 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may coordinate tree removal help and other issues at the center. The Red Cross will have disaster kits available as well.

 

Debris removal is probably the biggest item facing residents with the city’s yard waste center at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, being opened 24 hours a day through Saturday, Aug. 27. The city received kudos on its Facebook page for this with Kathy Walcott posting “Can’t say enough good things about [City of Wyoming]. Friends were amazed we dropped off over eight trailer loads of debris without paying! Thanks for stepping it up when it was needed.”

 

The yard waste center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 4 through noon Thursday, Sept. 15. Public Works crews are working on picking up debris. If you need the crew to come through your street or to make arrangements for a drop off at the yard waste center after Aug. 27, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260. City officials are asking that all storm debris be placed behind the sidewalk and not in the public right-of-way.

 

Also the City of Wyoming is waiving the fees for building or electrical permits for storm-related repairs. Residents still must secure a permit before making those repairs.

 

Wyoming residents who need assistance that is not related to debris removal or have other storm-related questions may call call 530-7226 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Have storm debris? Self-serve yard waste facility is open Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 am-6 pm

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@hvillewxman Blake Harms
Scene at Wilson & 68th in Grandville shortly after the tornado. Photo courtesy of Blake Harms @hvillewxman

By Victoria Mullen

WKTV

 

If you have branches, limbs and brush to dispose of after Saturday’s storm, you may bring them to Grand Rapids’s yard waste facility at 2001 Butterworth Street SW from 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday, Aug. 21. The facility is self-serve, so you’ll have to bring the storm debris yourself.

 

At least four radar-reported tornadoes downed trees, damaged homes and snapped power lines on Saturday, August 20. Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming sustained most of the damage, and at least 25,000 Consumers Energy customers lost power in Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa counties since the storm.

 

NWSBecause the tornados were wrapped in rain, they were not visible to viewers. There were no reported injuries.

 

The National Weather Service said that damage surveys will be conducted on Sunday to determine the number, wind estimate and severity of the tornadoes.