As of Thursday afternoon, the Grand River’s water level reached the action stage of flooding at 16 feet in Grand Rapids, according to theNational Weather Service.
The river is projected to enter the flood stage in Downtown Grand Rapids when it crests at 18.8 feet on Saturday morning.
City Emergency Management Administrator Allison Farole said the current water level is unsafe as the water is fast moving and can carry debris from upstream.
“Until the river gets back down to normal levels, it is really important for folks to take this seriously and to stay out of the water, if that’s on a boat, or on the sidelines fishing, water, definitely, is very powerful and can be very impactful to those that are in its way,” she said.
Farole said although nicer weather is expected in the coming days, recreational activities on or near the water will remain unsafe until the river returns to a normal level. She adds that’s not expected until after April 13.
City Fire Chief John Lehman said in a press release that although the city is well-positioned to manage rising water levels the department cannot adequately utilize in-water rescue resources, including boats, during high water events.
He adds flooding in the downtown area is not expected as the city has made flood wall improvements since 2013 that can handle river levels up to 23 feet.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office is also cautioning motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas. The department stressed that it only takes six inches of moving water to move a car.
An official with the department said two cars have been swept away in the last two days.
The Grand River in Comstock Park reached the moderate flood stage at 13.8 feetThursday afternoon and is expected to reach the major flooding stage on Saturday morning when it crests at 16.3 feet.
