KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The National Weather Service of Grand Rapids has issued a flood warning for Kalamazoo County.
The NWS says that an ice jam in the Kalamazoo River is causing flooding in the area. The ice jam is located downstream of the King Highway Bridge, about two miles east of downtown Kalamazoo.
Due to the jam, flooding is occurring along the Kalamazoo River from the King Highway bridge east through Sprinkle Road to Merrill Park.
As a result, citizens that live in the area, as well as in downtown Comstock, are being advised to monitor the situation. The NWS says that ice jams can cause rapidly fluctuating river levels that can change quickly with little or no warning.
On Tuesday the Kalamazoo County Office of Emergency Management released a statement saying that they anticipate a gradual drop in the river water levels throughout Tuesday afternoon due to the changing conditions upstream, but there is still a concern for homeowners and businesses in low-lying areas.
Citizens can stay updated with the flooding by monitoring the NWS website. The warning is in effect until Thursday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Meanwhile, citizens are also reminded to never drive through patches of water, as it may be too deep to travel through. Officials say one foot of water can be enough to carry away a car.
Officials also warn civilians to never allow children to play in or near flood waters.
