Historic Flooding Devastates Northern Michigan as Multiple Counties Under Warning
Northern Michigan battles historic flooding as 20+ counties remain under warnings with up to 7 inches of rain and dangerous snowmelt conditions.
GAYLORD, MICHIGAN — Historic flooding continues to affect northern Michigan as the National Weather Service maintains flood warnings for more than 20 counties through the weekend. Rainfall totals have reached up to seven inches, combined with rapid snowmelt, creating dangerous conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service Gaylord office issued multiple flood warnings early Thursday morning that remain in effect until Sunday evening. Cheboygan and Emmet counties are experiencing significant flooding following recent heavy rainfall and snowmelt, with between two and six inches of rain falling over the past several days.
Widespread County Impact
The flooding affects a vast area of northern Michigan, with warnings covering Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford counties. Most warnings extend until 8:00 PM EDT Sunday, with some areas under watch until Monday morning.
The heaviest rainfall concentrations occurred in the Grand Traverse region, where between four and seven inches of rain have fallen over recent days. Additional rainfall of 0.50 to 1.00 inches is possible, with locally higher amounts up to 1.50 inches possible in thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
Dam-Related Flash Flood Risk
A separate flash flood watch was issued for Bellaire in Antrim County, specifically citing “potential flash flooding caused by high flows from the Bellaire Dam.” The watch remains in effect through Saturday morning, with officials warning that increased flows from the dam may result in flash flooding of low-lying areas downstream.
The combination of rain and frozen ground conditions has created a high potential for flooding across eastern upper Michigan, where an additional 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rainfall is expected.
River Systems at Critical Levels
Multiple river systems across the region have reached or exceeded flood stage. The Au Sable River near Red Oak in Oscoda County reached 7.9 feet Thursday evening, above its 7.0-foot flood stage, with the river expected to fall below flood stage Saturday morning.
The Rifle River near Sterling in Arenac County peaked at 11.1 feet in the past 24 hours, nearly double its 6.0-foot flood stage, before falling to 9.6 feet Thursday evening. Officials report that at 9.0 feet, “high water begins to impact campground at White’s Canoe Livery at Melita Road bridge.”
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
The flooding has created significant infrastructure challenges across the affected counties. Roads and structures near lakes and rivers continue to experience high water levels with potential washouts, according to weather service reports issued at 1:50 AM EDT Thursday.
Emergency management in Arenac County reported debris removal resulting in rapid water rises along the Rifle River downstream of Omer, prompting a flash flood warning that remained in effect until midnight Thursday.
Weather officials warn that “roads and structures near lakes and rivers will continue to see high water levels and potential wash outs” as the flooding event continues through the weekend. The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor local conditions and avoid travel through flooded roadways.
