The 2008 Kalamazoo, Michigan Flood, Page 1 of 7: South Burdick St. and Crosstown Parkway

          << Previous Page Next Page >> Email Me Main Page


          The photos on this page were taken at or near the intersection of S. Burdick St. and Crosstown Parkway on September 15, 2008 (one day after the heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ike stopped). The flood waters of the Axtell Creek continued to rise for days after these photos were taken even though no additional rain fell.  This intersection was finally open to traffic by the following Saturday, nearly a week after the rains stopped.

          Scroll down to view the images or click here to view the next page that highlights the flooding around Bronson Methodist Hospital in downtown Kalamazoo.




          Looking north on S. Burdick St. toward downtown Kalamazoo
          [Click the image to view a larger version]



          The intersection of S. Burdick St. and Crosstown Parkway
          [Click on the image to view a larger version]


          The north side of Crosstown Parkway, just to the east of S. Burdick St.
          [Click on the image to view a larger version]


          Flood waters overwhelmed the VanderSalms Flower Shop and Garden Center on S. Burdick St.
          This flower shop was featured in a story in the Kalamazoo Gazette on September 21, 2008.
          Nancy Barker, who has worked at the shop for 20 years, described the flooding as "catastrophic."1
          [Click on the image to view a larger version]



          Looking west on Crosstown Parkway
          [Click on the image to view a larger version]


          The water was three and a half feet deep inside the Youth for Christ building on Crosstown Parkway.
          This building was featured in a story on WWMT TV 3 news on September 15, 2008.
          "'Couches were floating, the TVs were under water, I was like oh my goodness, lord help us,' said Scott McCloughan.."2
          [Click on the image to view a larger version]

          1 Chris Killian. "Flower shop stays open despite damage." Kalamazoo Gazette.  September 21, 2008, p. A2

           2 "Youth agency finds floating couches in building."  WWMT Newschannel 3.  September 15, 2008. http://www.wwmt.com/articles/agency_1353391___article.html/kalamazoo_youth.html

          The background used on this page is courtesy of: