Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently declared a state of emergency for 31 counties due to recent storm damage and severe flooding.

Affected counties in our listening area include Clare, Lake, Missaukee, Montcalm, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford. Whitmer’s action expands on two previously declared emergencies involving the Cheboygan Dam and the statewide energy situation.

“Local officials in these counties have taken several actions to respond to the situation, such as issuing local emergency declarations, activating the response and recovery aspects of their emergency operations plans, and providing public information,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Despite these efforts, local resources have proven insufficient. State assistance and other outside resources, including potential federal assistance, are necessary to respond to and recover from the impacts of this emergency, protect public health, safety, and property, and lessen or avert the threat of more severe and lasting harm.”

Flood warnings are currently active along the Muskegon River in Newaygo County near Newaygo, Croton, and Bridgeton and in Osceola County near Evart. All of Missaukee and Wexford County is also under a Flood Warning until Sunday, Apr. 19, at 7:45 p.m. Mecosta County is also in a Flood Warning until Thursday, Apr. 16, at 11 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, between 2 and 3 inches of rainfall was reported on Tuesday night with the possibility of up to another 1.5 inches on Wednesday night.

“Flooding is occurring following recent heavy rainfall and snowmelt,” NWS Grand Rapids said. “Roads and structures near lakes and rivers will continue to see high water levels and potential wash outs.”

In Evart, the South Main Street Bridge closed on Wednesday afternoon due to high water levels. Great Lakes Energy has also shut off power in multiple places due to the dangers near the water.

Newaygo County has closed all public boat launches due to the rising water levels. Lake County officials have closed multiple roadways due to bridge washouts or road erosion, including a stretch of Hawkins Road in Ellsworth Township. In Clare County, nine different stretches of road were closed yesterday due to hazardous conditions.

Following along with emergency updates here: https://www.facebook.com/michemhs.