Northern Michigan Flood Warnings Continue Through Sunday as Heavy Rain, Snowmelt Cause Widespread Flooding
Multiple flood warnings affect northern Michigan counties through Sunday as heavy rain and snowmelt create dangerous conditions across the region.
GAYLORD, MICHIGAN — Flood warnings remain in effect across much of northern and central Michigan through Sunday evening as heavy rainfall and snowmelt continue to cause widespread flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
The most extensive flood warning covers portions of northern Michigan including Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Roscommon counties until 8:00 PM EDT on Sunday, April 19. The National Weather Service Gaylord office issued the warning Tuesday evening, reporting that between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen in recent days.
“Ongoing flooding is being experienced across the area and will likely continue for the next several days,” the weather service warned. “Roads and structures near lakes and rivers will continue to see high water levels and potential wash outs.”
Multiple Counties Under Flood Warnings
Flood warnings affect several other county groups throughout northern Michigan. A separate warning covers Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties, also until 8:00 PM EDT Sunday. This region has received between 2 and 6 inches of rainfall over recent days.
Another warning encompasses Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties, where 2 to 5 inches of rain have fallen. A fourth warning affects Emmet and Cheboygan counties specifically.
The heaviest rainfall totals have been recorded in parts of northern Michigan covered by a warning for Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Roscommon and Wexford counties. This area has seen between 4 and 7 inches of rain, with that warning extending until 7:45 PM EDT Sunday.
Southeast Michigan Flood Watch Continues
Southeastern Michigan remains under a flood watch through late Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office. The watch covers Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Monroe, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
“In the last 7 days, most of Southeast Michigan has seen 1.5 to 3.5 inches of rainfall which has saturated soils before the main spring green up,” weather service officials reported. “Several additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight and Thursday.”
Forecasters expect an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall across the region, with localized areas potentially receiving 3 to 4 inches by Thursday evening. The saturated soil conditions increase the risk of flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas.
Tuesday Severe Weather Activity
The flooding concerns follow severe thunderstorm activity on Tuesday afternoon in southeastern Michigan. The National Weather Service issued warnings for storms producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail near Monroe around 3:20 PM EDT.
One storm tracked near Ida before moving toward Monroe around 3:15 PM EDT Tuesday, impacting areas including Woodland Beach, Stony Point, La Salle, Bolles Harbor and Detroit Beach. Weather officials warned residents to expect potential hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.
Residents in affected areas should monitor local conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The National Weather Service advises that just six inches of moving water can knock down an adult, and 12 inches can carry away a vehicle.
