Grand Rapids Navigates Flooded Streets After Severe Storms

Community comes together to help as city deals with widespread flash flooding and damage.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A severe storm brought golf ball-sized hail and widespread flash flooding to Grand Rapids this week, leading to multiple street closures and disruptions across the city. While the storms were disruptive and damaging, the community has responded with neighbors helping neighbors and local officials working to ensure public safety. The article also covers other notable news from the region, including faculty and student concerns at Grand Valley State University and a shooting incident at a local Dave & Buster's restaurant.

Why it matters

The severe storms in Grand Rapids highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can have significant impacts on local infrastructure and communities. The community's response in coming together to help one another during these challenging times is an encouraging sign of resilience.

The details

The storms brought golf ball-sized hail and widespread flash flooding to Grand Rapids, leading to the closure of multiple streets across the city. Local news outlets provided compelling visuals and on-the-ground reporting of the flooded areas. In addition to the storm damage, the article also covers other notable news from the region, including faculty and student concerns at Grand Valley State University about the university's direction and a shooting incident at a local Dave & Buster's restaurant.

  • The severe storms hit Grand Rapids overnight on March 12, 2026.
  • On March 11, 2026, a security guard at Dave & Buster's in Kentwood shot and wounded an armed teen in the restaurant's parking lot.

The players

Bradley Massman

A reporter who covered the severe storms and flooding in Grand Rapids for local media.

Joel Bissell

A photographer who provided compelling visuals of the flooded areas in Grand Rapids.

Danielle James

A reporter who covered the concerns expressed by faculty, staff, and students at Grand Valley State University about the university's direction.

Philomena Mantella

The president of Grand Valley State University, who said the students and community are top priorities in the university's decisions.

John Tunison

A reporter who covered the shooting incident at the Dave & Buster's restaurant in Kentwood.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.