KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — The flood waters may have receded in the Southtown area, but Kalamazoo City Officials say it’s actually going to get worse before it gets better.
A big surge of floodwater is headed toward Kalamazoo from Calhoun County and Public Works Director James Baker says they could see the worst flooding they have seen in decades.
Some homes in the Lakewood Neighborhood are already threatened and over five dozen homes flood prone zones in the city could also be surrounded by water during the next few days.
He says only 65 homes have flood insurance and the owners of those without could get stuck with an expensive clean-up bill. Commuters and motorists are advised to take the long way around the flood zone, using Sprinkle to King Highway, Oakland Drive, or U.S. 131 to Stadium to get between Portage and Kalamazoo for the next few days.
Forcasters say rain Friday morning and again this weekend won’t hurt much but won’t help.
This second wave of high water will close off main roads like Park, Westnedge and Portage Street, some for a second time, some for the first time.
They have made sandbags available at the Edison Neighborhood Center, at Public Utilities on Stockbridge and at Public Safety Headquarters on Crosstown.
They are also working with the Red Cross to setup an emergency shelter if it’s needed.
