Record Flooding Hits Manistee River Near Sherman in Northern Michigan
The Manistee River near Sherman has reached record flooding levels at 19.4 feet, with forecasters predicting an even higher crest Thursday morning.
SHERMAN, MICHIGAN — Historic flooding is devastating the Manistee River near Sherman, with water levels reaching a record-breaking 19.4 feet as of Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service in Gaylord.
The weather service issued a flood warning at 11:41 p.m. Wednesday, declaring major flooding is occurring and forecasting the river will continue rising to an estimated crest of 19.6 feet Thursday morning. Officials described the event as “the flood of record” for the area.
The river’s current level sits more than 5 feet above bankfull stage of 14.0 feet and nearly 4.5 feet above the designated flood stage of 15.0 feet. The flooding affects Wexford County, with the warning remaining in effect until further notice.
No Historical Precedent
Weather service records show no available flood history for the Manistee River near Sherman, making the current situation unprecedented for the area. The maximum river stage recorded in the 24 hours ending at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday was 19.4 feet.
The rapid rise in water levels has caught the region unprepared, as residents and officials have no previous flood events to reference for comparison or emergency planning.
Safety Concerns Mount
The National Weather Service emphasized flood safety measures as conditions continue deteriorating. Officials directed residents to safety information available at weather.gov/safety/flood for guidance on navigating the dangerous conditions.
Major flooding typically brings significant threats to life and property, including road closures, structure damage, and potential evacuations. The record-setting nature of this flood compounds these risks, as existing flood mitigation measures may prove inadequate.
Emergency management officials are closely monitoring the situation as the river approaches its predicted Thursday morning crest. Even after cresting, flood conditions are expected to persist, with the warning remaining active indefinitely.
Residents in flood-prone areas along the Manistee River should avoid driving through flooded roads and stay informed about evacuation orders or other emergency directives from local authorities.
