Isolated Areal Flooding Possible Through This Evening, River Update

ESFGRR

Rainfall totals of 1-3 inches across the area this morning led to areas of areal flooding and ponding on roads, particularly for the Lansing area and Mount Pleasant areas. Additional rainfall to around 0.25" is expected through this evening for most, though totals to around 1" are possible for areas south and east of a Grand Rapids to Alma line in any thunderstorms this afternoon. This will likely slow drainage of ongoing flooding, and may result in the need for additional flood advisories if thunderstorms track over flood prone areas.

Many area rivers and streams have seen rises as a result of the heavy rainfall. River Flood Warnings and Watches are in effect for numerous river forecast points across the area as the waters make their way through our river systems. Refer to those products for the latest information on river flooding. Numerous others are forecast to reach bankfull, with the Muskegon River at Evart coming particularly close to minor flood stage.

For any type of flooding, avoid driving through flood waters. Turn around, don't drown! close

FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON TO WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

...The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids MI has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Michigan...

Grand River near Comstock Park affecting Kent County.

Sycamore Creek At Holt affecting Ingham County.

Red Cedar River At East Lansing affecting Ingham County.

Looking Glass River Near Eagle affecting Clinton County.

Muskegon River at Newaygo affecting Newaygo County.

.Up to 1 inch of additional rainfall has fallen since Friday across the Muskegon River Basin, and up to 3 inches across parts of the Grand and Kalamazoo River Basins. This is expected to cause minor flooding on several area rivers and potentially moderate flooding at Comstock Park.

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Red Cedar River at East Lansing.

* WHEN...From Sunday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...At 8.0 feet, The Potter Park Zoo parking lot in Lansing begins to flood.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 AM EDT Saturday the stage was 5.7 feet. - Bankfull stage is 6.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage early tomorrow afternoon to a crest of 7.8 feet early Monday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 7.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 7.8 feet on 03/20/1926. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/grr. close