GRAND RAPIDS

Grand Rapids declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon.  Declaring a state of emergency was done in anticipation of widespread damage, injury or loss of property and it puts the city in a position to receive state or federal assistance.  A state of emergency does NOT mean that the city is in imminent danger.

The river crest predictions have been lowered by approximately 2 feet.  Initially, the river was expected to crest at 24.7 feet.  The latest predictions is 22.7 feet sometime on Sunday.

However, it is still IMPORTANT that you reduce or stop activities that use or burden the sewer system.  That means minimize flushing toilets, showering, washing the dishes, washing clothes, etc.  This request will remain in place through Monday.

Video footage from WOOD-TV of the Grand River downtown is at the bottom of this page.

VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS are needed on Sunday to fill and create sandbags.  Report to 201 Market Street SW in Grand Rapids at 8am on Sunday April 21st.  Mayor Heartwell says they will "utilize the efforts of as many volunteers that show up."

Sandbags will be used to protect the GR Wastewater Treatment Plant and various other vulnerable places around the city.

LOWELL

The city of Lowell also declared a state of emergency today.  Main street is shut down to everyone except residents and essential personnel.  You are instructed to stay away unless you're a resident.

As of Saturday, about 200 homes were experiencing flooding.  Red Cross Shelter is available at First Baptist Church on West Main Street.

There were concerns that about half the city would be without power after the river crested early Sunday; that now appears unlikely as of Saturday afternoon when crest predictions were revised downward.

The river is expected to crest at approximately 19.2 feet.

GRANDVILLE

Buck Creek is receding, but the Grand River has yet to crest, making additional flooding a possibility. Sandbags are available to the public at Franklin Avenue and Oakes Street.

Like Grand Rapids, the city of Grandville is also asking that you reduce or stop activities that use or burden the sewer system.

RIVER/FLOOD LEVELS

VIDEO OF DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

 

 

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