Flooding in Michigan, March 1 to 5, 1997

A spring like storm system developed ofter Western Texas on the 20th of February and tracked into Southern Michigan on Friday, the 21st. A warm moist flow of air from the Gulf of Mexico fed the storm and produced a few thunderstorms with moderate to heavy amounts of rain across Southwest Lower Michigan. The rain began on the afternoon of the 20th and continued through the 21st before changing to snow later that evening. Widespread flooding occurred and water covered roads in 14 counties. Comstock Park, located along the Grand River was hardest hit with a crest 3 feet above flood stage, and the river remaining above slood stage for 12 days.Rivers equaled or exceeded flood stage at the following locations:Grand River Comstock ParkSt Joseph River Three RiversSt Joseph River NilesNo significant flood damages were reported during these events and no lives were lost. Most of the river flooding resulted in flooding of low lands, some secondary roads, and backup to some sewer and septic systems.