What a difference 160 miles make.
While Metro Detroiters have a normal, though chilly, weekend of chores, entertainment and relaxation, things aren't as ordinary down I-96 to the west. The rain-swelled Grand River prompts alarm and action.
Mayor George Heartwell declared a state of emergency in Grand Rapids on Saturday afternoon, WOOD-TV reports.
Heartwell said he declared the state of emergency because of the threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, and loss of life or property. . . .
Flooding has occurred on public and private property and within local streets, right-of-ways, and a variety of locations within the city. . . .
Shelters have been set up in Kentwood and Comstock Park, and sandbags are available from the county.
This home outside Grand Rapids is flooded by the Grand River this weekend.
[Photo from Fox 17 News]
Basement flooding knocked out electricity at the second-tallest building downtown. About 1,000 people were displaced from the Plaza Towers condominium and hotel complex, according to separate coverage by WOOD.
The problem originated from the swollen Grand River, which is expected to crest just below 25 feet Sunday. It also caused flooding in the JW Marriott and Amway Plaza Grand Hotel.
Now fire officials are worried that other buildings along the river may face similar issues until the water recedes.
"We all love the Grand River, but the fact of the matter is we're seeing some of the highest levels of water we've seen probably in any of our times," said Battalion Chief Kevin Sehlmeyer of the Grand Rapids Fire Department.
Flood walls protect most of Grand Rapids, but Wyoming (photo above from Fox 17 News), Allendale and other areas of Kent County already are flooded, as is Ionia in that county.
Videos from Lindsey Smith of Michigan Radio and WOOD, an NBC affiliate, are below.
