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Hesperia officials: White River levels still high, but dropping
HESPERIA, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities in Hesperia say the White River remains high, but water levels have dropped since Thursday. "The water's dropped probably 4 to 6 inches, so it looks we've met the crest, hopefully," Village President Mike Farber told News 8 around 5:30 a.m. Friday. Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan The Hesperia Dam on April 17, 2026. All of the Hesperia Dam's gates were open Friday morning. The Hesperia Area Fire Department said runoff from several days of heavy rain continues to move through the system. The N. Division Street bridge was also closed due to the high water flowing under it. On Wednesday, the Hesperia Area Fire Department warned people living near the White River west of the Hesperia Dam to be ready to evacuate if the dam fails. Farber said the dam is structurally sound, but officials are monitoring it around the clock out of concern that logs or sticks will block the flow. A flash flood watch remains in effect in Oceana County through Friday morning. According to the fire department, residents should still "remain alert and have an evacuation plan in place." ‘Evacuate now’ as Muskegon River levels continue to rise, Newaygo County officials warn Farber told News 8 the Hesperia community came together to protect the dam. "We had our Hesperia High School varsity and JV baseball players come down and fill sandbags for us, plus community members," he said. "So everyone working together to save our dam."
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April 2026 shattering rainfall records in West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The relentless rain that has pushed up river levels to concerning heights is also breaking precipitation records across West Michigan. Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan April 2026 ranks as the first or second wettest start to the month on record when accounting for the first 15 days. The official National Weather Service observation site at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport has recorded 5.79 inches of rain so far this month. For context, an average April in total brings just under 4 inches. ‘Evacuate now’ as Muskegon River levels continue to rise, Newaygo County officials warn It's already the eighth wettest April on record with half of the month remaining. April 2013 currently holds the top spot with 11.10 inches of rain. Flood Alerts current as of Noon Thursday More rounds of rain are anticipated heading into the weekend and next week. Stay with Storm Team 8 as we bring you more coverage of flooding.
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3 confirmed tornadoes touched down in West Michigan Tuesday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It has been a very stormy week with severe weather raging across this Central Plains and Midwest. Over 1,000 reports of severe weather have occurred since this previous Monday. West Michigan was not unscathed, with a powerful line of thunderstorms plowing through overnight Tuesday. In its wake, there were numerous reports of downed trees, power outages and serious structural damage to residences. The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes touched down. EF1 IN ALLEGAN COUNTY TO BARRY COUNTY The track of a confirmed EF1 tornado near Otsego Tuesday night. Winds peaked around 100 mph in an EF1 tornado that moved in a 16-mile path from Allegan County to Barry County, according to the National Weather Service. Its maximum width was around 175 yards. Homes damaged, power out after tornado in Otsego-Plainwell area It caused widespread tree damage and several large barns were heavily damaged. Some homes and businesses experienced roof damage. A piece of debris landed on US-131, causing the highway to be shut down for a brief time, NWS said. EF0 IN ALLEGAN COUNTY The NWS reports that an EF0 tornado touched down near Schermerhorn Lake in Allegan County and was on the ground for about 6.5 miles. It traveled at around 80 mph with a max width of about 100 yards. The twister mostly brought tree damage. Some shingle and siding damage was observed on several homes impacted by falling tree debris, NWS said. The track of a confirmed EF0 tornado in Allegan County Tuesday night. EF1 NEAR CARSON CITY IN MONTCALM COUNTY Traveling at a peak of 110 mph for 18.75 miles, an EF1 tornado touched down in Fenwick in Montcalm County and traveled to Perrinton in Gratiot County, with a max width of 110 yards. It snapped and uprooted trees in and damaged and destroyed barns and outbuildings. Some houses experienced roof damage, NWS said. Tornado tears up trees, barns near Carson City The track of a confirmed EF1 tornado in the Carson City area Tuesday night. Because of the flooding, tornadoes and wind damage caused by the storms, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in 32 more counties, including five in West Michigan — Allegan, Barry, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oceana counties. The emergency declaration will help free up additional state resources to help local communities and first responders as they clean up.
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‘Evacuate now’ as Muskegon River levels continue to rise, Newaygo County officials warn
CROTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Anyone in the Muskegon River flood plain below Croton Dam should evacuate as water levels continue to rise, authorities in Newaygo County warn. Newaygo County Emergency Services issued the warning around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, saying, "Evacuate now!" "This is a rapidly developing situation," the agency wrote. "Watch for rapidly changing water levels." A map shows areas along the Muskegon River in Newaygo County that are expected to flood. A map shows areas along the Muskegon River in Newaygo County that are expected to flood. Online: Map shows expected flooding areas Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham told News 8 people in the flood plain should evacuate as soon as they can. "The rising river level and the speed at which it's rising — we haven't seen it rise this fast in prior events," he said Thursday morning. "One of the big problems that we're experiencing is road washouts, and so our concern is that people will become stranded because a road is washed out." Authorities remind people to never drive through floodwaters — it's impossible to tell how deep it is or whether the road is intact. Already, Mendham said, emergency responders are having a tough time getting to some places in the county because of the rising water. "We've got deputies and different fire departments out making contact with residents in those low-lying areas, but there's also been several residents that we've just been unable to get to because of the water levels," the sheriff said. Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan If you choose to remain, officials warn that public safety services won't be available until conditions are safe. Impacted areas should also expect that power will be disconnected. An evacuation center has been set up at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging building, located at 93 S. Gibbs St. in White Cloud. Neighbors can call 911 for emergencies or 211 for general support. As of Thursday morning, no one had called 911 seeking a rescue, the sheriff said. There are no concerns with the safety of Croton Dam itself, local authorities and Consumers Energy emphasized, but the area downstream is prone to flooding. "We have no concerns about the structures of the Croton and Hardy dams," the sheriff stressed. "Those are fine. This is strictly a rising river level concern." A News 8 crew at Croton Dam Thursday morning saw six of its eight gates open, with the water that was moving through rushing and foaming. Community members say that generally, only one or two gates are open. Consumers said whatever water enters a dam must also exit the dam, thus maintaining the natural river. "We want people to be sure to understand our 13 facilities are operating safely. They are structurally sound and can withstand this week’s intense weather,” said Jean Kang, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations, in a statement. Still, the sight was alarming to neighbors. Justin Wittenberger of Newaygo called it "crazy." "Typically, you can walk this whole shoreline here and the other side where the trees are. And (now) it's just completely flooded. This is insane. Never seen this like this," he said. Hesperia FD: ‘Be prepared to evacuate’ amid flash flood watch As of 8:15 a.m. Thursday, the Muskegon River had reached 12.07 feet near Croton Dam, which is considered "major" flooding. Major flooding was also observed at Newaygo. All public access sites along the Muskegon River below Croton Dam are closed, and anyone who drives around a barricade or enters an area that is closed could be arrested or cited, authorities warned. At Newaygo River Front Park earlier Thursday morning, a News 8 crew saw water levels continuing to rise, approaching the park's entrance. You should never walk through floodwaters because a current could pull you down. News 8's Nicole Tam reports from Newaygo River Front Park on April 16, 2026. Newaygo River Front Park. (April 16, 2026) Mecosta County on Thursday declared a local state of emergency due to "significant" flooding along the Muskegon River. Officials said "numerous" homes were surrounded by water and some roads were impassable. The county urged people in affected areas to evacuate, reiterating the warning not to drive through flooded roads. Damage can be reported online. Experts have predicted that Muskegon River levels will crest Friday night and Saturday morning. NEIGHBORS LAY SANDBAGS NEAR HESPERIA Farther north, in Hesperia, neighbors say the White River is 2 to 3 feet higher than usual. Officials have warned people living near the river west of the Hesperia Dam to be ready to evacuate if the dam fails. A flash flood watch is in effect until Friday morning. Latest National Weather Service alerts "It's scary, actually, for everyone who lives along the rivers and lakes and drains. It's just too much," Shirley DeBor of the Hesperia area. said. Neighbors have worked together to prepare, with some laying out sandbags. "It's amazing to see everybody work together here and just try to overcome what Mother Nature's given us to deal with," Joshua Bushen of the Hesperia area said. The flooding has shut down many roads. Newaygo County and Muskegon County are providing updated lists of closures on their Facebook pages. Muskegon County says it has activated its Emergency Operations Center to manage flooding response. It's providing updates on its Facebook page. Meanwhile, residents hope the rain lets up and the water starts to recede. "It's catastrophic, obviously," DeBor said. "We have neighbors across our lake that their homes are flooded out. Our docks are a mess. It's just very frustrating right now and the water needs to go down. Mother Nature needs to bless us with some nice weather and no rain." —News 8's Phil Pinarski and Nicole Tam contributed to this report.
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Fire chief: Buck Creek too low to prompt nursing home evacuation
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — Heavy rains had some in Grandville concerned Wednesday about flooding near a nursing home and possibility of needing to evacuate patients. Water levels on Buck Creek later started receding and the fire chief sad evacuations of Intersect Healthcare on Wilson Avenue were not anticipated in the near future. John Wierenga, founder of the nearby Stewardship Trust Advisors, had a front row view of just how quickly Buck Creek can rise. "It started to go over the bank and now we're about at peak," Wierenga said. "It moves up quickly, but it goes down as quickly as well." Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan While he was not worried about the need to evacuate, some in the community were concerned about the floodwaters impacting Intersect Healthcare. "Buck Creek rose pretty quickly and that did cause some concern for some residents in the facility," Grandville Fire Chief Jed Wild said. It has happened before: Major flooding in 2013 forced the building to evacuate patients. Wild said emergency crews prepare for the worst-case scenario, but this time, no evacuations were needed. "It appears Buck Creek crested about 11:30 (a.m.) today and then about 12:40 (p.m.), the monitors suggested it was receding. We've seen the recession of the creek since 12:40 this afternoon, so we're very happy that it's moving in the right direction. We're not concerned right now that we're going to have to evacuate anybody. We still had a little bit of a buffer," Wild said. The water reached 9 feet, 3 inches. They would need to reach 10 feet, 5 inches before evacuations become necessary. Second Michigan dam nearing failure levels The fire department is monitoring the creek level with more rain in the forecast, but does not anticipate the need for evacuations unless more rain is received than anticipated. "We're watching the Grand River, Thornapple, and some of the other tributaries and watersheds throughout the county, but there's a lot of great communication between leadership and emergency services," Wild said. The fire chief says they did have some cases in which people were driving around street barricades. He is reminding people to never drive through floodwaters because it's impossible to see how deep the water is and whether the road is intact.
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Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Several rounds of severe weather this week have brought high amounts of rain to West Michigan. ACTIVE START TO SPRING It's been our wettest starts to spring in many locations across West Michigan including Grand Rapids. This has tallied up to nearly 6 inches of rain so far this month, which is almost 5 inches above average. Latest National Weather Service alerts This is all coming after a wet March, too. Most cities are doubling to tripling their average values over the last 30 days. Since March 1, Muskegon has seen more than 11 inches of rain. That's more than 7 inches above average for that stretch. WEEKEND FLOODING CONCERNS A flash flood watch continues for Oceana County due to the risk of the Hesperia dam failing. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app One area of major concern is the Muskegon River at Bridgeton and Newaygo, which are expected to reach major flood stage by the weekend. At Bridgeton, the river is expected to crest at 20 feet, breaking the previous 2018 record of 16.6 feet. Inside woodtv.com: Radar The Muskegon River at Newaygo will likely peak at historic levels while the Grand River at Comstock Park will likely rise to the major flood stage into early next week. While it now is projected to reach 16.5 feet, the record is expected to hold. ReportIt: Send us your photos Most river gauges in West Michigan are expected to reach levels similar to last week. Luckily, most of the heavy rain is in the past. One last rain chance will arrive Friday night and into Saturday morning. An additional quarter to half inch of rain is expected for most of the region. Locally higher totals are possible depending on where thunderstorms development sets up. A colder and drier pattern is expected into early next week, allowing river levels to fall once again.
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Tornado tears up trees, barns near Carson City
BUSHNELL TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — An EF1 tornado ripped through southern Montcalm County overnight, leaving a trail of debris in its wake. In the rural area, there were damaged barns and reports of loose animals. "This is by far the most damaging event I've seen in my 31 years working for the county," Montcalm County Emergency Services Director Eric Smith said. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down at 10:51 p.m. Tuesday just east of Fenwick and then tracked about 19 miles past Carson City to Perrinton in Gratiot County. It had winds up to 110 mph, making it a more powerful EF1. No injuries were reported. Homes damaged, power out after tornado in Otsego-Plainwell area "Many damaged or destroyed farm buildings. We got many damaged homes. There's lots of livestock that have been on the loose that people have been working on wrangling back up and getting back where they belong," Smith said. He spent Wednesday morning visiting dozens of homes and talking to people to make sure they were OK. "There's a huge group of people helping: Friends, family, neighbors, strangers. … Contractors, excavators. Just lots and lots of people. People showing up to help. Sometimes people they don't even know helping people put their lives back together and that's probably been the coolest yet not surprising thing about the event," Smith said. Between Fenwick and Carson City, News 8 saw massive trees that had been ripped from the ground. A dairy farm on South Vickeryville Road suffered significant damage: metal was bent like paper and plywood was ripped out of structures and tossed onto a field. From the road, the sound of mooing was audible. Flooding concerns on the rise across West Michigan Along Townhall Road east of Fenwick, a large tool shed at a corn and soybean farm was ripped to shreds, debris tossed into a nearby field. Nearby, a power line was down. Lynn Ritz is the owner of the farm. "Down at my house, I was in the basement. The neighbors seen it blown over and he calls me and he goes, 'Your tool shed is gone,'" Ritz said. Damage along Townhall Road east of Fenwick the night after a severe storm. (April 15, 2025) Damage along Townhall Road east of Fenwick the night after a severe storm. (April 15, 2025) Damage along Townhall Road east of Fenwick the night after a severe storm. (April 15, 2025) Storm damage near Carson City on April 15, 2026.Storm damage near Carson City on April 15, 2026.Storm damage near Carson City on April 15, 2026. He said it's the second time the barn has been damaged by weather — it also happened two years ago. He said the damage will slow his spring planting. "Just part of doing it (farming)," Ritz said. "You've got to love it. That's all there is to it. You can't farm without loving it seven days a week, 365 days a year." Asked how the community could help him, he laughed. He doesn't need more help, he said — his neighbors have already stepped up. "There's lots of help around here. I got good neighbors," Ritz said. Smith, the emergency services director, said that's the kind of community Montcalm County prides itself on. "We are small, we are rural and we definitely come together and take care of each other when times need," he said. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app As of about 5 p.m. Wednesday, about 550 Consumers Energy customers in Montcalm County were without power, down from about 1,000 earlier in the day. Smith met with other county officials in the afternoon and said they plan to ask the state for disaster recovery assistance. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 32 Michigan counties, including Montcalm, for weather-related impacts including the tornadoes. Such declarations open up state resources for response and recovery. There were also two tornadoes — an EF0 and an EF1 — in Allegan and Barry counties Tuesday night. Those counties were also included in the emergency declaration.
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Second Michigan dam nearing failure levels
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Another northern Michigan dam has reached the first stage of the state’s flooding evacuation protocol. The Antrim County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday evening that water at the Bellaire Dam has reached to within 12 inches of the top and continues to rise. Emergency operations expanded statewide to monitor flooding potential According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, at the “ready” stage, all residents in the area should plan and pack for an evacuation. A “go-bag” should include medications and any important documents. The DNR also recommends securing outdoor items and moving valuables to higher levels. People should avoid riverbanks and any low-lying areas and monitor nearby officials for updates. The Cheboygan Dam reached the “ready” stage early Monday morning. By Tuesday morning, water had reached nearly 7 inches to the top. As of Wednesday morning, however, water had dropped an inch, likely because of an unrelated levee breach in the Little Black River Watershed. Record snowfall in March along with recent rains have elevated water levels across the state, leading to potential floods. The State Emergency Operations Center activated on Friday in response to the rising levels at the Cheboygan Dam. It was expanded Tuesday to monitor flooding concerns across Michigan. “Protecting Michiganders and their property is our top priority,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday. “With already high water levels across the state and more rain in the forecast over the next few days, we are proactively extending our activation of the State Emergency Operations Center. This will ensure work continues around the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex to increase pumping capacity and place sandbags, but it also helps us deploy additional supplies to other areas of the state that may be at risk of flooding. An aerial photo of the high water levels at the Cheboygan Dam on April 10, 2026. (Courtesy Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office) “We will keep monitoring the situation and supporting local communities with the resources they need to keep people safe.” In addition to general flood watches across West Michigan, there are also two river flood warnings: the Portage River in Kalamazoo County and the Muskegon River in Newaygo County. Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest weather and river forecasts.
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Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca (and husband Mark) welcomed their first child over the weekend, with the birth of Piper Sunny. Check out these sweet pictures<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hurricane Lee continues to slowly track toward the United States. Click here for the latest on intensity and path<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday brought plenty of sunshine and calm conditions. Bill’s Blog dives into what is currently the calmest day of 2023.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
WEATHER WEAR<\/strong>
Rain Jacket
Umbrella<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUNRISE<\/strong> 7:17 a.m.
SUNSET<\/strong> 7:59 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
PSALM 119:11 NIVGrand Rapids / Lakeshore
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Benton Harbor