HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The Grand River continues to rise and a Flood Warning continues for Robinson Township until Saturday morning.
As of Wednesday, April 12, at 8 p.m. the stage was 14.8 feet with flood stage being at 13.3 feet. Vanlopik road in Grand Haven is 1-2 feet under water in the subdivision. The river will continue to fall below flood stage by early Saturday though.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has issued an ALERT asking motorists to not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.
Ottawa County Emergency Management continues to remind residents to avoid driving through the water, even if it looks shallow. Roads may be washed out underneath the surface of the water, making it difficult to estimate how deep it is. Cars in as little as two feet of water can be swept away.
With the possibility of more rain, Emergency Management is encouraging residents and businesses to prepare for potential flooding, especially near low-lying areas and bodies of water. Flooding can occur almost anywhere, including near small streams, creeks and even in basements. Check the drains around your home and make sure sump pumps are in good working order.
To further prepare for a flood:Create or check your emergency supply kit, if necessary update the items in it.Protect important documents.Create an inventory of your household items, especially those in your basement, by taking pictures of them.Raise appliances, such as a washer and dryer in your basement by putting them on bricks. For more information on how to prepare for a flood go to www.ready.gov/flood. Information on how to prepare your property for a flood can be found online. Flood insurance information can be found at here.
