Grand Rapids, MI – West Michigan residents should brace for another round of rain and thunderstorms starting Wednesday, with flood threats peaking along I-96 into Thursday.
Showers are expected to develop Wednesday afternoon and intensify into the evening. The National Weather Service warns that rivers across Southern Lower Michigan, especially near Grand Rapids, could rise to minor flood stage by Thursday. Residents living near the Grand, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo Rivers should monitor water levels and avoid low-lying riverbanks.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, up to an inch of rain could fall across the region by Wednesday night. Thunderstorms may develop late Wednesday with gusts up to 33 mph. The heaviest rain is forecast between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., increasing the risk of roadway flooding and slick travel, particularly near I-96.
Water levels are already elevated from recent storms. The Muskegon River is running high, and even modest rainfall could trigger localized flooding. Tributaries near Lansing are also being watched closely for overflow into Thursday morning.
Safety Tip: Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around—don’t drown. Keep an emergency kit ready and check river conditions at weather.gov/grr.
Five-Day Grand Rapids Forecast:
- Wednesday: Showers, possible storms after 5 p.m. High near 63°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 54°F, low 35°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny early, chance of showers late. High 56°F.
- Saturday: Showers likely. High near 53°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 47°F.
