UPDATE: Feb. 25, 9:30 p.m. -- The Grand River in Grand Rapids crested around 7 p.m. on Sunday night. At its peak, the river reached 20.67 feet, falling over a foot below the 2013 crest of 21.85 feet.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Water levels along the Grand River will crest this weekend close to the all-time record from April 2013. The combination of heavy rain, snow melt and a mostly frozen ground sent the Grand River up quickly in the last few days.
Upstream in Portland and Ionia, the Grand River has already begun to recede. It crested on Friday only three inches below the record from April 2013. The flood also damaged multiple businesses in downtown Ionia.
In Ada and Comstock Park, the Grand River is expected to crest Saturday. It will approach the all-time record flood from April 2013. Major flooding of homes and businesses is expected to occur in Comstock Park.
As it flows downstream, the Grand River is forecast to crest in Grand Rapids and Robinson Township on Sunday.
►Related: Flooding forces dozens of road closures
Kent, Ottawa, Ionia and Lansing-area counties have issued a local state of emergency. However, officials say the declaration is not an indication of crisis, but a way to ensure communities get access to resources.
In Kent County, two orders remain in effect: residents are asked to stay away from flood waters. The "no-contact advisory" set in place, as well as closing the Grand River for recreational use is a move the health department put in place until further notice. If your food, or your pet's food, comes in contact with floor waters -- throw it in the trash.
Stay away from the water's edge and flooded area. Click here to see a list of road closures throughout the area. Do not drive through water on the roadway. Water covered roads can have hidden damage.
For more information about the flood, concerns about water levels or any other questions, you can call 616-456-3000 or visit this website.
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