Contact:  Lt. Louis Hunt - Kent County Emergency Management 

Phone:  616-632-6255

Email:  lou.hunt@kentcountymi.gov

Minor Flooding along the Grand River expected in Kent County, Monday 1/13-Sunday 1/19/20

Minor flooding is predicted this week for Kent County along the Grand River.  Although categorized as minor on National Weather Service hydrographs, the flooding along the Grand River has the potential to be a few inches higher than levels we saw in March 2019.  Predictions from the National Weather Service indicate the Grand River in Comstock Park will rise above flood stage today (Monday 1/13), crest at approximately 13.9’ on Wednesday, and will not receed below flood stage until late Sunday (1/19/20).  These levels will equate to impassable roads, yards under water, and potentially some water in basements.  Based on this potential, we ask residents to make a plan to temporarily relocate before levels rise to the point of impassable roads and isolation.  Remember that water is dangerous, especially any water with flow, and access to isolated residences from public safety would be slowed or limited.  Special attention will be in low lying areas in Plainfield Twp. such as:  Abrigador Trail, Willow, Konkle, Forest Ridge and the Riverbank St. area, among others.  Other townships/cities include Shady Dr. in Ada Twp., low lying areas near Lowell, and low lying areas/roads in the cities of Walker and Grandville, among others.  For more information regarding water levels and predictions, please visit the NWS website at water.weather.gov

Residents in flood prone areas are asked to be vigilant to water levels around them.  Please remember that electricity and water together pose a significant danger, 6” of moving water can knock a person off their feet and 12” can move a car.  Recreational activities such as kayaking during high water events can be dangerous because of increased flows, and if a boating/kayaking accident is coupled with cold temperatures, hypothermia can quickly lead to death.

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