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 6:30 a.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 Cheboygan Dam was about 6.6 inches away from spilling over as of 9 a.m. ET April 15 and 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.
