Mid-Michigan cleans up after two days of rain

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Moments of dry weather allowed people around mid-Michigan to take stock of the damage left behind from two days of on-and-off rain showers. Flooded roads and basements stretched from Jackson County to Ingham County.

A rising Grand River in Jackson caught the attention and concerns of both residents and city officials. The conditions left city leaders placing a flood warning in the area and canceling several events Wednesday night.

“I haven’t seen it this high in my 58 years of life,” says Jackson resident Kevin Kingsley, reacting to the swelling Grand River.

Some areas were already flooding , like roads in Bellevue. Roads became ponds and lakes, even getting a 6 News crew stuck. It was just one of the many calls for help tow truck operator Tanner Smith received throughout the day.

“We’ve probably done five already and we’ll keep getting them as it’s happening because it’s still raining right now and the water will keep piling up,” said Smith.

Further north in Lansing, a large uprooted tree came to a rest right on top of a house.

In Downtown, the historic Kositchek’s menswear store had to close after part of its roof collapsed . The damage sent water and debris tumbling onto suits and clothing racks.

“Just a lot of debris around the store. And by the time, I got further into the store I realized the building had collapsed, partially. Rain was still coming in. The water was still pouring in,” said Matt McLeod, General Manager of Kositchek’s.

Right next door in East Lansing, a basement collapsed during last night’s heavy rain. The ordeal has left Michigan State University students  Makenzie Wolcik and Madison Enviya looking for a new home.

“The baseboard collapsed out and so water was rushing in and then the wall caved in half and then cement blocks came out and our basement flooded to the top step with water,” said Wolcik.

Following all of the heavy rain, East Lansing city officials have reopened a public survey on flood-prone areas. They are asking community members to weigh in and report any flooding issues to help the city plan for the next storm.

Officials say public works crews are doing a special collection for water-damaged items . They are asking people to first schedule an appointment.

Those pick-ups start this Friday.

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