Flood warning for northern Lower Michigan through Saturday night
April 16, 2026
More rain is expected to move into the flood-ravaged area Friday after up to 9 inches has fallen on parts of northern Lower Michigan this week.
A flood warning remains in effect for a large portion of northern Lower Michigan through Saturday night as communities grapple with the effects of sustained heavy rainfall and melting snow. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency covering 33 counties in the lower peninsula, where saturated ground and swollen river systems are creating hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service anticipates ongoing, scattered showers through the weekend, which, while not severe, will continue to contribute to high water levels and prolong the threat of flooding. The situation developed after four consecutive days of heavy rain fell on ground already saturated from an above-normal spring snowmelt.
The current flooding is the culmination of weeks of unusually wet weather across the state. Areas such as Grand Rapids recorded nearly double the average rainfall for the month of March, and the first half of April brought even more significant precipitation. This intense rainfall, combined with runoff from a substantial northern snowpack, has overwhelmed the region's rivers and saturated the soil. The combination of melting snow and persistent rain has led to historic water levels in some areas, washing out roads and threatening critical infrastructure. Officials have been monitoring the situation as river gauges show many waterways are at or above flood stage.
The impact is being felt across numerous counties, with significant concerns centered on the integrity of several dams. Emergency crews have been actively working to reinforce structures like the Alverno Dam in Cheboygan County with sandbags. In Newaygo County, rising waters on the Muskegon River prompted an evacuation order for residents living in the floodplain below the Croton Dam on Thursday morning. Similar concerns have been raised for the dam at Hesperia and the Bellaire Dam in Antrim County, where water levels have reached their highest point in recorded history. Residents in affected areas have been forced to leave their homes, and local authorities have opened shelters to provide assistance.
State and local agencies are coordinating a widespread response. In addition to the governor's emergency declaration, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is managing high water at the Cheboygan Dam, using pumps to divert water toward Lake Huron. An executive order was also signed to help stabilize the region's fuel supply, as a key petroleum terminal is located downstream from the threatened Alverno Dam. County emergency services have been issuing alerts and, in some cases, going door-to-door to ensure residents in high-risk zones evacuate safely. Officials are urging the public to heed all warnings and stay away from flooded roadways.
Looking ahead, the forecast offers little immediate relief. While the heaviest rains have passed, intermittent showers expected through Saturday mean that river levels will likely remain high and could even continue to rise in some locations. The National Weather Service warns that flooding along the Manistee River, which has already surpassed its record flood level, will likely continue into the middle of next week. Residents in low-lying areas, particularly those near the Cheboygan and Muskegon rivers, are advised to remain on high alert, prepare a "go-bag" with essential items, and closely monitor updates from local emergency management officials.
Source: detroitnews