OTTAWA COUNTY (WHTC-AM/FM) — The big thaw anticipated for Sunday and Monday, Feb. 3 and 4, 2019, won’t work well with the frozen ground, according to Ottawa County officials.
The melting snow and ice water will run along the surface instead, and can lead to flooded streets or homes.
Ottawa County offers the following tips for area residents:
- ensure your sump pump is plugged in and is working
- shovel snow and any debris out of any catch basins and drains
- dig snow out of window wells and basement exterior stairwells including any drain areas
- remove any snow a few feet away from outside doors and dig a path for water to flow away from your home
- prepare drainage paths away from your home for downspouts and areas where roof runoff is likely to occur
- monitor your roof for ice dams
- know the location of your water shut off to limit damage should broken pipes present themselves as the weather warms
Ottawa County Emergency Management, along with the National Weather Service, and Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush, will be actively monitoring the water levels in the Grand River and local drains.
