GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The severe weather threat ended in West Michigan after powerful storms swept through Wednesday morning with frequent lightning, heavy rain and pockets of storm damage.
Many in West Michigan picked up an additional 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall, adding to an already very soggy start to the year. River flooding will be a concern as water continues to drain into its respective basins.
Flood warnings were issued for the Grand River at Robinson Township, Grand Rapids, Comstock Park, Ada, Lowell and Ionia. The Muskegon River had a flood warning at Bridgeton and Newaygo, and the Thornapple River had a flood warning at Calendonia and Hastings. All flood warnings expire sometime next week, thanks to a much drier weather pattern ahead.
Early morning storms knocked out power for thousands across the state. Additional rain through the morning led to some flooding. Mid-day, strong winds caused some damage in Tallmadge Township, south of Coopersville.
A man paddles a canoe in a flooded road in the area of Breton Village on April 5, 2023. (Courtesy Chelsea Jandernoa) 
Flooding in the Breton Village area on April 5, 2023. 
A downed tree at Maplewood Cemetery after a storm rolled through Tallmadge Township on April 5, 2023. 
Flooding in the Lake Odessa area on April 5, 2023. (Courtesy Mitchel Marsman) 
Flooding in Portage on April 5, 2023. (Courtesy Mike Sutherland) 
Flooding in Portage on April 5, 2023. (Courtesy Mike Sutherland)
Most rain events that drop 1 to 2 inches of rainfall do not cause as extensive of flooding for us here in West Michigan. However, this event came after one of the wettest starts to a year so far.
After the cold front moves through Michigan, a quiet and chilly evening will settle in for all. Expect lows plummeting to the mid 30s. Cooler but sunnier weather returns for Thursday and Friday. Warmer temperatures arrive next week.
