Central Michigan cleans up after two days of rain

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Brief dry spells allowed people in central Michigan to assess the damage left by two days of intermittent rain showers. From Jackson County to Ingham County, streets and basements were flooded.

Rising water levels on the Grand River in Jackson drew attention and concern from residents and city officials. Due to the conditions, city leaders issued a flood warning for the area and canceled several events Wednesday evening.

“I’ve never seen it this high in my 58 years of life,” says Jackson resident Kevin Kingsley in response to the swelling Grand River.

Some areas were already floodslike streets in Bellevue. Streets turned into ponds and lakes, and even a 6 News crew got stuck. It was just one of the many calls for help that tow truck driver Tanner Smith received throughout the day.

“We’ve probably done five already and will continue to get more when the time comes, because right now it’s still raining and the water will continue to accumulate,” Smith said.

Further north in Lansing, a large uprooted tree landed directly on top of a house.

In the city center, the historic Kositchek’s men’s fashion store had to close after part of its roof collapsedThe damage caused water and debris to fall onto suits and clothing racks.

“There was just trash and debris all around the store. And as I went deeper into the store, I realized the building had partially collapsed. It was still raining. The water was still pouring in,” said Matt McLeod, general manager of Kositchek’s.

Right next door in East Lansing, a cellar has collapsed during the heavy rain last night. This ordeal has left Michigan State University students Makenzie Wolcik and Madison Enviya looking for a new home.

“The baseboard broke off, allowing water in. Then the wall broke in half, cement blocks came out, and our basement was flooded up to the top step,” Wolcik said.

Following the heavy rains, East Lansing city officials have reopened a public survey of flood-prone areas, asking citizens to speak up and report any flooding concerns to help the city plan for the next storm.

Officials say that public construction crews are Special collection for water damaged items. They ask people to make an appointment first.

These pickups begin this Friday.