• Multiple roads throughout greater Lansing are closed due to severe flooding.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Most of Greater Lansing is underwater and at least 450 homes are being evacuated because of it.

Meridian Township has experienced more flooding in the past week than it has in years and it's not expected to stop anytime soon.

Major road closures in Meridian Township include Grand River Ave. between Marsh Road and Park Lake Road, Van Atta Road from Grand River Ave. to Jolly Road, Nakoma Dr. from Ottawa Dr. to Hamilton Road, Okemos Road from M-43 to Hamilton, Tacoma Blvd., Hillcrest St from Okemos Road to Iroquois Rd, and Lake Dr. More road closures could happen as more rain could be on its way.

The following parks are closed in Meridian Township until further notice: Ferguson Park, Wonch Park, Meridian Riverfront Park (Legg Park, Harris Nature Center, Eastgate Park), Ottawa Hills and Eastgate Park. Trails are closed at those parks due to flooding.

The National Weather Service of Grand Rapids has issued a flood warning for greater Lansing that will be in effect until February 26 at 5 am. Rain showers and freezing rain are expected in the coming days and Meridian Township has opened a Displacement Center for people who had to evacuate their homes.

The Displacement Center is held at the Central Fire Station at 5000 Okemos Road in Okemos where there is access to restrooms, phones and charging areas. This Center can only be accessed from Central Park Drive because Okemos Road is closed between Central Park Dr. and Haslett Rd.

Officials advise residents to avoid roads and other areas that are effected by flooding because it could be a hazard to their safety.

"Water is powerful; water that is flowing over roadways is dangerous," said Meridian Township Battalion Chief Ken Phinney. "Find another route. If it doesn't look safe, it probably isn't, so we advise drivers to not risk it."

For residents who have not been evacuated, officials advise them to avoid touching any electrical devices in a flooded area, avoid driving through moving or standing water because your care could get stuck and your safety is at risk, do not drive down roads that have been blocked off or barricaded, and report any sewage backups, obstructed drains, or additional water flooding over roadways by calling 517.853.4440.

While residents are evacuating their homes, they need to remember to bring their pet(s) with them. Abandoning pets during a flood could lead to a lethal hazard and there are numerous options to avoid that, including pet-friendly hotels and lodging them Capital Area Humane Society or Ingham County Animal Shelter. However, the latter option is only for emergencies because there is limited kennel space available.