A flood warning remains in effect for Kent County until tomorrow, after recent rains pushed sections of the Grand River up to and over bankfull levels. Minor flooding has been reported in Lowell and other low-lying neighborhoods, and county officials say they are tracking gauges and road conditions closely. Residents are being told to plan for water on parklands, low roads and in some basements over the next 24–48 hours.
According to the National Weather Service, the flood warning covers the Grand River at Lowell. The agency reported the Lowell gauge at about 15.9 feet Tuesday morning and forecast a crest near 16.1 feet, a level expected to flood the Lowell fairgrounds along with low sections of Bowes Road, Division Street, Front Street and Jackson. The warning is listed as in effect through Thursday night, with the flood stage at Lowell set at 15.0 feet.
Kent County Emergency Management, in a public bulletin, warned that area soils remain saturated and noted that the U.S. Geological Survey gauge at Comstock Park was forecast to crest around 15.4 feet, just below major flood levels. The county said no widespread flooding had been reported so far but urged residents to obey barricades and never drive around road closures while crews continue to monitor conditions.
Where Water Is Already Creeping In
Local reporting has documented water on the Lowell fairgrounds and on several low streets, and regional river forecasts show minor to moderate rises on other stretches of the Grand River through the week. As reported by MLive, parts of Comstock Park and Plainfield Township face heightened risk in spots where projections call for additional river rises.
How Dangerous Is Floodwater?
The National Weather Service cautioned that swiftly moving water about six inches deep can knock a person off their feet and that around 12 inches of water can carry most vehicles, turning flooded roads into a serious hazard. Officials repeated the familiar warning to turn around, don’t drown and reminded residents that most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
For the latest river-stage readings and local advisories, follow Kent County Emergency Management. If you encounter flooded roads, officials say the safest move is to find an alternate route and report hazards to local authorities.
