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Recent Rains, Rising Rivers

Posted at 9:21 PM, May 29, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-29 21:21:39-04

WEST MICHIGAN — (FOX 17) — In a little over a week, parts of West Michigan have received plenty of rain, and that is causing some of the rivers to rise. There are a couple of flood advisories in effect:

  • The Grand River at Lowell is currently around 8.0 feet. Bankfull stage is 10.0 feet and flood stage is 15.0 feet. The river is expected to rise to 11.1 feet by Friday morning. This results in flooding of low-lying areas near the banks of the river.
  • The Grand River at Ionia is currently at about 14.0 feet. Bankfull is 13.5 feet and flood stage is 21.0 feet. The river is expected to rise to 17.3 feet by Thursday evening. The Ionia County Fairgrounds start to flood at 18.0 feet.

In Downtown Grand Rapids, the site of record flooding in April, the current stage of the Grand River is just under 7.0 feet. Flood stage is 18.0 feet. The river is expected to rise to 11.0 feet Friday night. For a look at any other rivers in West Michigan from the National Weather Service, click HERE.

The rivers are rising due to a very wet 8-day period in West Michigan. Here are some rainfall totals since May 21:

  • Grand Rapids: 2.60″
  • Kalamazoo: 2.50″
  • Muskegon: 3.51″

With more heavy rain possible through Saturday, the river forecasts could be revised and some flood warnings could be issued. We will keep you updated on FOX 17 News, or you can visit the weather page at http://www.fox17online.com/weather