NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. -- Water levels are rising rapidly toward record water levels on the Muskegon River in Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham says the Croton and Hardy dams are performing as they should.
But he told WOOD Radio News that Newaygo County Emergency Services has asked residents who live south of the Croton Dam to evacuate. That extends to near the county line and could impact up to 300 residents.
"Our concern is that, as the waters rise power will be shut off to those areas," he said. "And at some point, we're going to start having roads that wash out. And our ability to get to people and assist them will become very limited. So, we are requesting that they leave now, if possible."
Public access to the Muskegon River is closed in several locations due to the heavy flooding that's been taking place late this week.
"Because the water is just too high and moving too swiftly for it to be safely navigated," Sheriff Mendham said.
If you get stranded due to flooded roads or need assistance, he noted it is a good idea to call 911.
"Our big problem is the significant amount of rain that we've received this week. Some of the problems that we are running into are road failures," he said. "We've had several washouts and we've had a few instances where folks have been stranded where water is over the roads. So, we've had to have fire departments go out and remove those individuals from their vehicles."
Muskegon County Emergency Management issued a news release Thursday afternoon:
All Public River Access Sites along the Muskegon River are closed.
Muskegon County Road Closures as of Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:30 AM:
• Maple Island Road and M-120 on Thursday, April 16, 2026, closed at approximately 10:03 AM
• Holton-Duck Lake Rd. and Brickyard Rd. in Cedar Creek Township, closed at approximately on Thursday,
April 16, 2026, at 9:16 AM
• Todd Rd. in Fruitland Township on Thursday, April 16, 2026, closed at approximately 7:23 AM
• Brickyard Road and M-120 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 1:25 PM
These closures are in place for public safety. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or around barricades.
Follow the Muskegon County Road Commission page for updates on Road Closures in Muskegon County.
Follow the Muskegon County Emergency Management Facebook page for updates within Muskegon County.
Follow the Newaygo County Emergency Services (Newaygo ES) Facebook page for updates within Newaygo
County.
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