Neighbors along the Muskegon River prepare for flooding as water levels rise A Flood Warning is in effect for the Muskegon River south of Croton, prompting residents in Newaygo County to brace for potential flooding. The National Weather Service has warned that conditions could surpass the severe flooding seen in 2018, with the river expected to reach its peak on Friday or Saturday. Local families are taking steps to protect their homes and belongings as water levels continue to rise rapidly. Hyla Kooiman, whose family has owned their Newaygo-area property since 1940, described the situation as dire. She pointed to landmarks along the shoreline, noting that the river’s edge has shifted significantly. “That little row of trees… that’s the edge of where the river should be,” she said, highlighting the encroaching water. The gate separating their home from the road is already submerged, and Kooiman and her brother, Merle Carpenter, are elevating furniture to minimize damage. “We got tables, we put a couch up on the table,” Kooiman explained. Jason Nurmi, a neighbor, is also preparing for the worst. He has removed all furniture from his home, including closets, dining sets, and even his refrigerator. “We’re right around 13 and a half feet right now… and once it hits about 14 and a half, it’ll be at my foundation,” Nurmi said, citing the National Weather Service’s forecast of a peak level of 16.5 feet. He anticipates at least a foot of water inside his home and plans to evacuate on Thursday. “You’re going to have standing water in the house, and you just can’t live in it with standing water,” he warned. The situation is not new for Nurmi, who recalled that this will be the fourth evacuation since 2017.#muskegon_river #newaygo_county #hyla_kooiman #merle_carpenter #jason_nurmi
