GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 7, 2023) – Although a dry spell is predicted by forecasters for West Michigan through the Easter Weekend and into next week, the threat of flooding continues along the two major rivers along the Lakeshore.
The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids placed a flood warning for the area between Eastmanville and Grand Haven on Thursday morning. Van Lopik Avenue, which runs along the river just east of the M-231 overpass, is currently two to three feet under water, with moderate flooding of several homes in the subdivision there. Forecasters predict the river to rise above flood stage on Friday and crest at nearly 16 feet early on Sunday morning, nearly three feet above flood stage, which approaches record levels of three years ago.
Such an advisory was placed on Thursday night for the Kalamazoo River in the New Richmond area through Saturday afternoon, as the waters are expected to crest just above the 17-foot flood level late on Friday.
The Weather Service advises that motorists who encounter flooded roads to turn around, for most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and they should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. The River Flood Warning is in effect “until further notice,” according to the NWS.
