Gov. Whitmer puts Michigan under energy emergency amid flooding

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer placed the entire state under an energy emergency as some residents in northern Michigan have been urged to evacuate amid flooding that could worsen from rain Tuesday night and later this week.
The declaration follows residents in parts of Cheboygan County have been asked to evacuate after a levee in the Little Black River Watershed breached, officials said Tuesday. The area is located northwest of and separate from the Cheboygan River and its dam and lock complex, which are being watched closely by state and local officials.
The Little Black River dumps into Lake Huron and is not a tributary to the Cheboygan River that flows into the city where the dam is located.
Residents in the Little Black River Watershed have been told to evacuate and travel south into Cheboygan until further notice.
Emmet County evacuation
Erosion along South Lakeshore Drive north of Harbor Springs led to evacuations, there was rising water near the Crooked River Locks and county officials warned of significant impacts in Pellston, Petoskey, Alanson and Cross Village, the Emmet County central dispatch said Tuesday night.
Flooding in northern Michigan
Elsewhere around northern Michigan, dam safety engineers with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) were visiting six “critical” dams that are threatened by rising water levels:
Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
Hillman Dam in Montmorency County
Homestead 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 Monday night, the Michigan State Police said, damaging the roadway over the dam.
MSP said the state is monitoring the status of other dams across Michigan as the entire Lower Peninsula has been placed under a flood watch.
Conditions worsen in Grand Traverse County
Worsening conditions have led to reports of damage in some locations. In Traverse City, a sinkhole about the size of a car has formed next to the Boardman River, which has swelled following days of rainfall, 9 and 10 News reported. Officials there declared a local State of Emergency due to flooding impacts, the news station reported.
Roads under water in Presque Ile County
Social media users in Presque Ile County said several roads were under running water, including Heythaler Highway outside of Rogers City.
Local state of emergency declared in Emmet County
The Emmet County chairperson of the board of commissioners declared a local state of emergency after reports of worsening flood conditions as water levels continue to rise, the county emergency dispatch said. It said M-119 was closed between Island View Road and Division Road and US-31 in Bay View was detoured at Division Road due to flooding.
“Motorists should avoid affected areas, expect delays, and use caution, especially on low-lying roadways where water may be present,” it said on its Facebook page. Water levels near Pellston Regional Airport were at or slightly above US-31.
Pellston Regional Airport remains closed to commercial air traffic, and officials anticipate closures for multiple days as conditions worsen.
Motor carrier regulations halted to stabilize fuel supplies
Whitmer signed an executive order Tuesday, declaring a state of energy emergency across the state. She had declared an emergency in Cheboygan County last week as waters began rising toward the crest of the Cheboygan dam.
Whitmer said the executive order provides for temporary relief from certain regulations to support critical services like fuel transport, emergency response and utility crews.
“With already high water levels across the state and more rain in the forecast, I am temporarily suspending motor carrier regulations for driver hours to stabilize fuel supplies in key areas of northern Michigan and support local communities, first responders, and utility crews as they work hard to keep people safe,” Whitmer said in a statement. “We will keep monitoring the situation and supporting local communities with the resources they need.”
More rain threatens
Thunderstorms and other severe weather are expected to make their way across Lower Michigan Tuesday evening and into early Wednesday. The worst weather is likely to hit in the southern part of the state, with up to 3 inches of rain, plus possible hail and an isolated tornado. Part of northern half could get an inch of precipitation or more in some locations.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Wednesday and Thursday as well, according to the National Weather Service.
Authorities are urging Michiganians to check the MSP Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division and its Facebook page for critical updates and the state’s MiDrive website for information about road closures.
Where to find help
The state’s Flood Safety Fact Sheet Series offers tips for preparing for floods, as well as staying safe during and after a flood.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Michigan Prepares website offers a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on creating an emergency plan.
Well owners may consult the state’s online fact sheet about protecting their private water supply.
MDHHS offers resources to help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.
Michigan Public Service Commission has information about outage credits due to lengthy power outages.
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