Local State of Emergency Declared in GT County

Grand Traverse County officials declared a local state of emergency Tuesday evening due to "ongoing and anticipated flooding impacts." The declaration allows for "enhanced coordination of public safety resources and supports response and recovery efforts across affected areas," according to a county release.

Numerous roadways were closed or impacted by flooding from heavy rains Tuesday, with more rain in the forecast and a flood warning in effect until 2pm Wednesday. Officials closed South Airport Road between Keystone/Park and Cass at 6:30pm Tuesday due to flooding near Logan's Landing. Marsh Road was also closed between Pierce and Clark, as was Sawyer Road near the railroad tracks. Motorists were asked to avoid River Road Tuesday due to flooding affecting properties along the Boardman River, with authorities evacuating residents along the waterway. Beitner Road was closed near Beitner Park Tuesday night due to the road being washed out.

Near Mayfield/Brown Bridge, the Boardman reached 7.8 feet as of early Tuesday morning. At eight feet, water begins to impact Brown Bridge Road near Ranch Rudolf, according to a flood warning from the National Weather Service in Gaylord. The river was expected to crest to 8.2 feet and then eventually recede below flood stage, according to NWS, though more rain is in the forecast this week.

High Boardman levels impacted several areas in downtown Traverse City, including Hannah Park and the alley between Front Street and the river. In the alley, a large sinkhole was swallowing parts of the sidewalk and a light post, with the area cordoned off. Boardwalks were flooded throughout downtown, and Lot K - the parking lot next to FishPass in the alley off Union Street - remained closed due to erosion. Cedar Street between Front and Sixth was temporarily closed due to flooding.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Tuesday to stabilize fuel supplies for northern Michigan and the eastern U.P. The order provides temporary relief from certain motor carrier regulations for driver hours in order to "support fuel transport, first responders and utility crews, and public safety," according to Whitmer's office. 

Regionally, the Cheboygan County Office of Emergency Management ordered an immediate evacuation for low-lying areas following a levee breach in the Little Black River watershed in the city of Cheboygan. Antrim County officials also triggered the "Ready" stage protocol on the Bellaire Dam for the Intermediate River area downstream. All residents and businesses on the river were advised to pack for a possible evacuation. "Ready" is when water is 12 inches below the top of the dam with levels rising three inches a day or more. "Set" is when water reaches six inches below the top of the dam, while "Go" is when water levels are one inch below the top of the dam with a high probability of topping it and a potential failure. Dam staff were expected to be on scene throughout the night to monitor the structure.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) warned that the National Weather Service was predicting up to three more inches of rain in certain areas and that conditions could worsen overnight into Wednesday, including possible flash flooding. Risks include:

> Exposure to contaminants in flood water, including E. coli, heavy metals, and petrochemicals.
> Injury from floating debris.
> Power outages.
> Road washouts.
> Damage and contamination to drinking water systems.
> Mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup. 

"Even if people are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local emergency response agencies as flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. "Floodwater and standing waters can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases or injuries."

MSP provided the following tips for residents: 

> Follow all emergency orders.
> Standing water can be deceiving, do not attempt to drive or walk through flooding water on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.
> Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines, or other hazards.
> For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 9-1-1.
> For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.
> During flooding, move to higher ground, if advised, and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.)

Residents should not return to flood-impacted homes until it is safe to do so, according to Grand Traverse County. "Be aware of structural damage, electrical hazards, and contaminated water," according to the county release. "Do not enter homes with standing water until utilities have been safely shut off. Use extreme caution when navigating impacted areas due to hidden hazards and debris." Residents are encouraged to follow the county's website for updates.