The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WARNING for the Grand River at Jackson affecting Jackson County from Monday morning until further notice. A FLOOD WATCH remains in effect from tonight through Saturday night.
The WINTER STORM WARNING has been extended; going into effect at 7 AM Saturday through 10 AM Sunday. Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of one quarter to three quarters of an inch are expected. Northeast winds may gust as high as 35 mph. This Winter Storm Warning is issued for Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
At 10:30 AM Friday the Grand River stage was 10.9 feet. Flood stage is 14.0 feet. Moderate flooding is forecast. The National Weather Service predicts the river will rise above flood stage by Monday morning and continue to rise to near 15.4 feet by Wednesday early afternoon. It is possible a new record crest could be reached by the middle of next week.
At 15.0 feet, expect moderate flooding of buildings along High Street, Lewis Street, and Losey Street. High water would disrupt traffic and damage residences.
This crest compares to the all-time record crest of 15.4 feet on June 25, 1968.
A Flood Warning is also in effect for the following rivers in Southwest Lower Michigan: Sycamore Creek, Kalamazoo River and St Joseph River.
Prolonged heavy rain will be moving into the area tonight, with rain totals by Sunday morning between 2 and 3 inches across a wide area, with some locations potentially nearing 4 inches. While most of this will fall as rain, a wintry mix will start to spread into the area Saturday afternoon and evening, which may delay some of the precipitation from reaching the rivers. However, with soils saturated and water levels already higher than normal, river rises will be significant and flood stage will likely be reached. The forecast is based on observed and forecast 48 hour precipitation.
The National Weather Service warns that even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way.
This warning will be in effect until the river falls below its flood stage.