"Floodwaters can be unpredictable, with swift currents and hidden hazards," Vizueta said. "Avoid flooded areas and always prioritize your safety as well as the safety of those around you."

Vizueta's statement comes after MSU's Department of Police and Public Safety responded last night to a call from bystanders who were concerned that an individual wake surfing in the unusually high Red Cedar River had not emerged from the water. It turned out to be a false alarm. 

People who encounter a flooded area or roadway are advised to turn around and avoid attempting to cross, Vizueta said.

Several sidewalks across campus are closed due to flooding, according to a campus-wide email MSU Infrastructure and Planning Facilities sent Thursday. 

From today through April 9, walkways along the river that will be closed include:

• From Lot 67 (Jenison) along the south side of Old College Field (OCF) to Sparty Intersection
• From IM Circle to Library bridge throughout Beal Garden
• The walk and steps behind Wells Hall at the "Duck Pond"
• From Farm Lane bridge to the Bogue Street bridge along north bank
• From Bogue Street bridge to Shaw Hall behind Business College along south bank

The email said if the river reaches 8 feet, parking lots 62 and 67 will see surface water. It also encouraged people to follow river level predictions on NOAA.

Infrastructure and Planning Facilities spokesperson Erica Venton advised people who live off campus to not park in areas where it is known to flood. 

"Students who are off-campus or are in the East Lansing community, if they are in an area where they’re known to get water gathering, be cautious where they park," Venton said. 

Currently, the off-campus parking lot between Brody Neighborhood and University Edge student apartments is partially flooded due to overflowing ponds.