Contact: Lt. Lou Hunt

Email: lou.hunt@kentcountymi.gov
Phone: 616-632-6255
 

Significant Flooding predicted along Kent County Rivers 5/18-5/25/20

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood warning for the rivers throughout Kent County. The Rogue River is expected to rise to flood stage today (5/18) and then continue to rise another 1’ by tomorrow afternoon. The Thornapple River is expected to reach flood stage later tonight and approach moderate flood stage over the next couple days. The Grand River at Lowell is expected to surpass flood stage tomorrow evening. The Grand River at Comstock Park is expected to reach flood stage today, continue rising to Moderate flood stage, and near Major flood stage later in the week.

Among other impacts, these levels historically equate to flooding of basements/roads (with a few very low lying homes with the potential for some main floor water inundation) near the Grand River in Plainfield Twp. such as: Abrigador Trail, Willow, Konkle, Forest Ridge and the Riverbank St. area, among others. Other townships/cities that will likely have some flooding include Shady Dr. in Ada Twp., low lying areas near Lowell, and roads in the city of Walker/Grandville near Johnson Park.

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 on rivers/creeks (ex: kayaking) during high water events are dangerous because of increased flows and debris. In addition, water temperatures remain cold enough that an accident can lead to hypothermia and death.

Roadways in some low lying areas are expected to be shut down, effectively limiting access to homes in those areas. This situation can significantly affect response times for public safety responders in an emergency, so it is recommended that residents in these areas temporarily relocate while the river is above flood stage. There is also the potential for some associated prolonged power/heat outages with these water levels, especially along the Grand River, therefore increasing the hazards. For more details regarding water levels and forecasts please visit the NWS website, water.weather.gov

If your home has been impacted by rising water in Kent County, please contact United Way 211 to report that information. This information will then be shared with Emergency Management to determine what areas in the County have been impacted, where damage/losses may have occurred, and if persons are displaced from their homes. Depending on the scope, Damage Assessment teams may then be deployed to document damage/losses for reporting to the State of Michigan.