Vicksburg, MI – Heavy rainfall across southern Lower Michigan is prompting rising river levels, with the National Weather Service issuing a Flood Warning for the Portage River near Vicksburg.
The warning, issued Wednesday evening, forecasts minor flooding in Kalamazoo County as river levels are expected to crest at 5.3 feet by Thursday morning—exceeding the 5.0-foot flood stage. The river is projected to fall below flood stage by Sunday morning, with the warning in effect through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, between 1.0 and 2.5 inches of rain fell Wednesday, with more storms expected to pass through the region. The additional rainfall is likely to result in continued overflow conditions along the Portage River, particularly affecting wooded areas, nearby yards, some outbuildings, and farmland adjacent to the river.
The affected area includes the Portage River between latitude points 4208 and 4216 in Vicksburg. Flooding at this stage is considered minor but still poses hazards to property and travel.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded areas or around barricades. The NWS reminds drivers that “most flood deaths occur in vehicles” and encourages the public to monitor weather updates at weather.gov/grr.
This week’s flooding is reminiscent of a similar crest recorded on May 20, 2019, when the Portage River reached 5.2 feet.
The Flood Warning covers the period from Wednesday evening through Monday morning, and emergency officials are urging precautions in low-lying areas.
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