North Kent News

West Michigan is experiencing serious flooding throughout the area due to heavy rains, which are causing some rivers to keep rising. In Kent County, 25 road sections have been closed because of the flooding, according to MLive. 

In the past 48 hours, Grand Rapids has seen 3.16 inches of rain, the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids told MLive. This number was reported on Tuesday, April 19, at 4 a.m. 

But the highest amount of rain reported was in Muskegon, with 3.8 inches in the same period as Grand Rapids. 

Not only have the heavy rains caused many road closures, but the National Weather Service says that many basements are flooding, and rivers, creeks and streams are rapidly rising. 

On May 17, a local state of emergency was issued in Ottawa County for anticipated flooding. In addition to the state of emergency, officials issued a flood warning for the Grand River in Robinson Township, which will remain in place until Sunday, May 24, according to MLive. 

But river flooding isn't expected to stop right away; it will continue even after the rain has stopped coming down. 

Some rivers are expected to have higher water than the anticipated flood stage, according to MLive. The National Weather Service reported that Rogue River, Thornapple River and the Grand River at Comstock Park and Lowell are likely to have greater flooding, with the Grand River at Comstock Park expected to get close to the major flood stage. 

Residents who live in flood-prone areas should stay alert as waters continue to rise, the Sheriff's Department announced. MLive also reported that if rivers continue to rise and exceed the flood stage, residents are urged to relocate to safer areas. 

The list of all road closures due to the rains can be found on MLive.