A significant ice jam drifting down the Grand River from Fairport Harbor has prompted the closure of Kiwanis Park in Painesville, raising flood concerns. In a statement posted on Facebook, the city of Painesville described the ice jam, which stretches from Fairport Harbor to Painesville, as creating “dangerous flooding conditions with heavy ice and debris.”
The Painesville Fire Department has urged the public to avoid the river. The city shared an aerial image of the jam, which shows large blocks of ice and debris pressing against the St. Clair Street Bridge. This photo was taken from above the bridge, near the Painesville Water Pollution Control Plant.
Fire Chief Thomas Hummel said emergency crews have been closely monitoring the situation. He noted that he’s been in contact with Fairport Harbor Fire Chief Bob Lloyd, who is coordinating with the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Lake County Emergency Management to deploy a cutter to the river’s mouth in an effort to break the ice jam. With more rain expected in the coming days, Hummel emphasized that flooding remains a significant concern.
The Lake Metroparks also announced the temporary closure of Grand River Landing due to the conditions.
Ice jams occur when ice chunks accumulate and obstruct the river’s flow, potentially causing flooding in nearby areas. As temperatures rise, melting ice and snow contribute to swelling river levels, causing the ice to break into large pieces that can further disrupt the flow.
Until further notice, the Kiwanis Recreation Park remains closed.