WEST MICHIGAN – Five areas (counties) are currently under FLOOD WARNINGS due to high water as area rivers approach/exceed flood stage. The attached photo is from Katherine Taylor in Barry County of the Thornapple River. Flooding is already occurring there.
Other locations being closely monitored by the National Weather Service include the Grand River in Ionia (some of the fairgrounds are already underwater), the Grand River at Lowell, the Grand River at Comstock Park (moderate flooding occurring there), the Grand River at Robinson Township in Ottawa County, and the Muskegon River near Croton in Newaygo County. Click hereto get current river/crest levels.
While the water level may recede a bit in some of these areas, more rain is on the way for Monday as a cold front swings through the state. Unfortunately, even heavier rain and thunderstorms are expected later Wednesday through Thursday and early Friday. Our forecast models are showing the possibility of another two to three (perhaps more) inches of rain this week. A very strong, developing low pressure system with plenty of Gulf moisture will arrive later Wednesday in to Thursday and track directly over Michigan. It will bring briefly warmer temps, wind, and plenty of rain.
Remember just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and it takes only 18 inches of water to float most vehicles…including vans and SUV’s. Don’t try driving through water…you may be surprised at how deep it is! As an example, the normal/average flow of the Grand River in Grand Rapids is about 6,000 cubic feet per second. Right now, the has quadrupled at 25,000 feet per second with a height that went from about six feet to more than 12 feet.
Get the complete 7-Day forecast and more by going to www.fox17online.com/weather.
