CROTON, Mich. (April 14, 2014) — Heavy rainfall over the weekend has caused the Muskegon River to rise rapidly out of its banks, creating flooding that was already higher than the crests of 2013 by early Monday.
As of 10:00 A.M. Monday, the Croton river gauge was already nearing 12 feet, indicating moderate flooding along the river. That was an increase of more than two feet within just a few hours, prompting Newaygo County emergency officials to recommend an immediate evacuation of homes near the river downstream of Croton Dam.
With rain ending Monday morning, the rising water will slow down and stabilize a bit through the rest of the day. However, the crest of the river at Croton is not likely to occur until around midday Tuesday.
The forecast crest of 12.5 feet is the second-highest on record, only lower than the devastating flood of 1986 (16.8 feet).
Upstream, the river may approach record levels at the Evart gauge in Osceola County. Significant flooding will likely affect much of Mecosta County as well, where high water had closed several roads.
Newaygo County Emergency Services is posting updates on its Facebook page, which we will pass along on FOX 17 News and here at FOX17online.com.
