Flash Flood Warning Issued for Kent and Ottawa Counties in Southwestern Michigan

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a Flash Flood Warning for portions of southwestern Michigan. The alert (NWS alert code FFW) was triggered after emergency management and trained spotters reported heavy rain and road flooding already occurring in the warned area.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic regions:

• Central Kent County in southwestern Michigan
• Ottawa County in southwestern Michigan

Specific locations that will experience flash flooding include Grand Rapids, Holland, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, East Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Rockford, Zeeland, Coopersville, Lowell, Jenison, Allendale, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Ada, Grattan, and Port Sheldon.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should take the following precautions:

• Be especially cautious at night when it is significantly harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
• Turn around, don’t drown: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and monitor local conditions.
• Avoid low-lying areas and poor drainage zones.

Expected Conditions

Flash flooding caused by heavy rain is the primary hazard. At 9:28 PM EDT, reports confirmed that flash flooding is already occurring. More heavy rain is expected over the next several hours. Anticipated impacts include the flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, as well as other low-lying areas.

Timeline

The Flash Flood Warning is effective immediately as of 9:28 PM EDT Tuesday, March 10. The alert is scheduled to remain in effect until 3:30 AM EDT Wednesday, March 11.