PORTLAND, Mich. — Wednesday marks exactly three weeks since people living on Water Street in Portland had to evacuate their homes because of flooding from ice jams in the Grand River.
But there could be good news coming soon for people who live in the area.
A MSP Aviation reconnaissance flight took place Tuesday, confirming that the largest ice jam upstream of the Charlotte Highway Bridge has broken up and melted, Portland City Manager Tutt Gorman said in a Facebook post.
The remaining concerns for additional flooding come from major rises in the Grand River due to snow melt or heavy rain, or a collapse of existing ice that could result in the ice jam thickening. Portland officials said those scenarios are both unlikely, but not impossible.
But the city is urging residents to remain vigilant and recognize that conditions may change at a moment's notice.
Gorman says the city could reopen Water Street as early as Wednesday afternoon.
City workers were able to clear off enough ice last week, creating a narrow route strictly for emergency vehicles and people living on the street to use, Gorman said.
The road has been closed since February 6th when the evacuation order was issued.
