Grand River Floods Force Evacuations

On Feb. 22, the Grand River in Lansing, Mich., reached 14.3 ft—more than 3 ft above flood stage. The National Weather Service reported that the Grand River was at its highest since 1975 when it exceeded 15 ft. Residents have been forced to evacuate in low lying areas including the neighborhoods of Urbandale, Sycamore Park, Knollwood Willow, Baker, Cherry Hill, Riverpoint, Tecumseh River and Ravenswood.

In response, the city of Lansing set up a temporary flood barrier that ran approximately 100 ft where Kalamazoo St. runs under U.S. 127, reported by local news source The Lansing State Journal. The temporary flood barrier was made of HESCO bastions and aimed to reduce flooding in the Urbandale neighborhood.

Meridian Township opened a displacement center at the Central Fire Station for residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding. Officials say the displacement center will be open until further notice and advise residents to avoid driving on flooded roads.