Jackson residents warned of flooding as Grand River reaches record high

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Residents along the Grand River in Jackson must brace for another night of rising water levels as heavy rains continue while the remnants of Hurricane Beryl move through the region.

The National Weather Service has extended a flood warning for Jackson County, particularly areas near the Grand River, through Wednesday night, July 10.

Related: Flood warnings apply to several areas in Michigan

In an update released by the National Weather Service around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, officials said light flooding is expected to continue in the area. If water levels rise to 15 feet, residences along High Street, Lewis Street and Losey Street will be at risk of moderate flooding.

Flood levels along the Grand River were measured at approximately 14.9 feet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, surpassing the previous flood peak of 14.8 feet recorded on August 12, 2021.

According to the NWS, water levels are expected to fall below the flood mark of 14 feet late Wednesday afternoon and rise to about 12.8 feet shortly after midnight.

Water levels are expected to rise to 13.3 feet on Thursday evening, July 11, fall to 13.2 feet early Friday morning, July 12, and rise again to 13.6 feet early Sunday afternoon, July 14. After that, water levels will fall again and remain below the flood mark, officials said.

The level of the Grand River has risen well above normal and is approaching surrounding sidewalks and bridges, city officials said in a Facebook post that also included a video of the rising water.

As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities said there were no reports of major flooding on the city’s streets.

Those traveling in flood-prone areas should never drive through floodwater and remember the mantra “turn around, don’t drown.” Floodwaters are not only extremely powerful, but can also contain dangerous chemicals that are undetectable, officials said.

For more information on flood protection, visit the NWS website.

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