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NORTHERN MICHIGAN – The State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating response efforts to severe weather impacting Michigan, causing rising water and threatening critical infrastructure across the state.
Dam Safety Updates
Dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are visiting the most critical dams today. Locations include:
- Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
- Hillman Dam, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated dam in Montmorency County
- Homestead Dam, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owned dam in Benzie County
- Union Street Dam in Grand Traverse County
- Rugg Pond Dam in Kalkaska County
- Bellaire Dam in Antrim County
Additionally, Buck’s Pond Dam, a small dam in Alcona County, failed last night, with water flowing into Hubbard Lake. Beyond damage to the roadway over the dam, there are no anticipated safety issues.
EGLE is working with partners to monitor other dams across the state. Crews are taking steps to prevent overtopping or failures while communicating with downstream communities about increased water flow.
Cheboygan County Updates
- The Sturgeon River overflowed its banks, causing widespread flooding.
- A levee was breached on the Little Black River Watershed. Impacted areas have been directed to evacuate.
- Michigan State Police troopers are assisting the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office with evacuations and road closures.
- For Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex updates, visit Michigan.gov/cheboygandam.
The National Weather Service predicts additional severe weather could further impact the state in the coming days.
The public is urged to sign up for local community alerts to stay informed. Follow MiDrive for updates on state highway (interstate, U.S. and M routes) closures and impacts.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information. Find links to sign up for MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook for updates from the JIC.
Flood Tips
- Follow all emergency orders.
- Standing water can be deceiving. Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwater on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.
- Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards.
- For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 911.
- For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.
- During flooding, move to higher ground if advised and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).
For more information on the current SEOC activation, follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady.
