Michigan governor declares energy emergency amid flooding, evacuations
Michigan, a state surrounded by water, began to feel like a state under water, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer placed the entire state under an energy emergency, evacuations and emergency rescues began and rivers and reservoirs continued rising.
At one point, late April 14, the entire state was under a flood watch, and by about 1:30 p.m. ET on April 15, much of the state still was. An estimated 1.5-2.5 inches of rain fell overnight. And more storms were forecasted: with up to 3 more inches of rain expected in the southern part of Michigan over the next two days.
"Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as melting snow and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks," Michigan State Police warned on April 14. "Conditions could worsen in flooded areas and result in additional areas of flooding and even flash flooding."
The water level at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam was 6.72 inches below the top as of noon Wednesday, April 15, a drop of 0.12 inches from 9 a.m., as residents in a "cautionary zone" of potential flooding downriver remained on standby to evacuate. State officials have identified at least six other northern Michigan dams as critical infrastructure under threat from the rising water.
In northern Michigan, some residents were already being evacuated and rescued. To expedite aide, Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency, which suspended some regulations to allow faster responses.
Whitmer said that "with already high water levels across the state and more rain in the forecast," she was temporarily halting motor carrier regulations for driver hours to stabilize fuel supplies in key areas. "We will keep monitoring the situation and supporting local communities with the resources they need."
Evacuations, water rescues begin
Near Cheboygan, some residents had been urged to evacuate in the afternoon on April 14 after a levee was breached on the Little Black River.
But by the early afternoon of April 15, the evacuation order issued Tuesday, April 14, for the Little Black River Watershed in Cheboygan had been lifted, according to the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office.
Residents may return to the area as safe to do so, but should continue to avoid flood waters.
Crews have tried to shore up the Cheboygan Dam with giant sandbags, known as super sacks. Two, 24-inch pumps were also installed to help moved water around the dam.
"We’re working from all different angles of this," said Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Incident Management Team deployed to Cheboygan. "We have many cooperators and everyone is putting forth a strong effort."
Nick Modrzynski, Alpena County’s emergency manager, told the Alpena News first responders had to rescue residents in Long Rapids with an air boat as some roads became unpassable.
There also were evacuations in Emmet County, which declared a local state of emergency due to worsening flood conditions.
Weather service investigating storm damage, potential tornadoes
Overnight, thunderstorms and strong winds sweeping southeastern Michigan toppled trees, took down powerlines and even flipped a vehicle on its side, according to news and social media reports. They also damaged the University of Michigan's Yost Ice Arena.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service sent investigators to various locations where there was damage to determine whether any tornadoes had touched down, which would not have been possible to spot in the dark, but could be confirmed, in part, by damage reports.
And as of 1 p.m. ET, more than 18,000 people were without power, according to DTE Energy.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Contributing: Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review