Local Flooding History

Local Flooding History

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Flooding is a common thing to this area.

April, 1947

At the time, it was the worst flood in Michigan history dropping 2.5 inches of rain within 24 hours.

The Grand River hit a record depth of 16.9 feet which is five feet above flood stage.

The Red Cedar River peaked at 12.3 feet with todays flood stage at seven feet.

Flood stage is the height water reaches when it starts to cover areas that shouldn't be covered by water.

U.S. 16, or Grand River Avenue turned into a river.

In the Lansing area, more than 2,500 people were left homeless with damage costs between two and three million dollars.

April, 1975

It was the worst flood in nearly 30 years that began on Friday the 18th at five p.m dropping between 2.3 and five inches of rain.

By mid-afternoon Sunday the 20th, the Grand River hit 15.3 feet, four feet above flood stage.

The Red Cedar River hit 13 feet, six feet above flood stage.

800 families were evacuated and 25 rowboats were on call throughout the night.

The Meridian Mall closed and the township turned into an island.

About 50 million dollars was the damage cost in Ingham County.

February, 2018

It was the worst flood in decades due to excess snow melt and heavy rain.

On Tuesday, February 20th, the Grand River stood at 9.9 feet.

By Wednesday, residents were warned to protect themselves.

By Friday, the Grand River was expected to peak at 14.1 feet when the flood stage is 11 feet.

Dozens of roads closed as well as many parks.

On February 21st, the Lansing Mayor declared a state of emergency.

Displacement centers open for residents affected by the floods with one in Okemos.

By February 25th, major roads were open again and water began to recede.

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