Midwest flooding expected to last through weekend

Flooding LANSING, MICH. — that prompted evacuations in parts of the Midwest persisted Friday in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and was expected to last through the weekend in areas that have been swamped by high water from heavy rains and melting snow.

Waters receded in South Bend and Goshen, Indiana, but flooding remained there and elsewhere. The National Weather Service said a number of Michigan rivers could see record levels in the coming days. In Ohio, water swamped more roadways and basements and forecasters expected the Ohio River could reach levels not seen since the region’s deadly 1997 floods.

Restaurants and other business and recreation spots from Cincinnati for miles east along the river closed, as water cut off roadways and swamped parks. Forecasters warned people living along rivers, streams and creeks in southern Ohio, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky to be especially cautious and prepared for rapid rises.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff ’s Office in southwestern Michigan said the Kalamazoo River set a record Friday morning, reaching 11.25 feet (3.4 meters), surpassing a record set in 1947 of 10.94 feet (3.33 meters). The river was expected to crest Friday night.

“During the next 24-36 hours flood conditions are expected to worsen,” the sheriff ’s office said in a news release.

A dam on the river was opened Thursday to relieve pressure on it, Undersheriff James VanDyken said.