Flood of April 1975 at Meridian Township, Michigan

On April 18 between 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. Meridian Township experienced an intense rain storm that caused the Red Cedar River to overflow its banks resulting in extensive flooding.  The Federal Disaster Assistance Administration report that five homes were destroyed, and 332 homes and 10 businesses damaged.  Early estimates indicated that damages may be as high as $6.25 million.

During the flood the U.S. Geological Survey obtained aerial photography and streamflow data to document the disaster.  This report shows, on photomosaic base maps, the extent of flooding along the Red Cedar River and the lower reach of Pine Lake Outlet.  Streamflow data obtained at the gaging station on the Red Cedar River at East Lansing, about 3/4 mile (1.2 km) downstream from the western margin of the report area, are given.  Information provided within the report is useful in making decisions regarding use of flood plains in the area.  It is one of a series of reports on the April 1975 flood in the Lansing metropolitan area.