MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Muskegon County declared a local State of Emergency on Friday afternoon, as did Kalamazoo County.
That follows widespread flooding that occurred Thursday. In a news release, Muskegon County's Emergency Management office said the flooding has caused - poses a threat of - damage to critical infrastructure, including electric utility systems throughout the county, plus damage to private property.
"In response to these conditions, the Muskegon County Emergency Operations Plan has been activated to direct response and recovery efforts and to ensure that local resources are being fully utilized," Emergency Management said in a news release.
"This activation includes opening the Muskegon County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate and control response activities and using the National Incident Management System to guide disaster response efforts."
The Muskegon County Emergency Operations Center had predicted water levels on the Muskegon and White Rivers would likely crest by mid-afternoon Friday at around 12.8 feet.
No evacuation orders were in effect for Muskegon County residents at the time of this report on Friday afternoon. Drivers were reminded by public safety to stay off flooded roads. Muskegon County Emergency Management says in a news release that the floodwater can wash away the ground below roads, which can suddenly collapse.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says there have been 15 bridge closures in Michigan, and bridges failed in Grand Traverse and Manistee counties.
Here is more from the Muskegon Co. Emergency Management news release:
County officials will continue to assess impacts, coordinate debris management and infrastructure response, and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official County communication channels and to use caution when traveling in affected areas.
For emergency assistance or to report hazardous conditions, residents should contact local emergency services.
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.
Here is some more information from the Muskegon County news release:
Floodwaters are expected to rise, with more rain in the forecast for Friday night and Saturday. This may lead to additional road closures and rapidly changing conditions.
Public Safety officials remind motorists that driving through floodwater also puts your personal safety at risk. Just a small amount of moving water can carry a vehicle off the road. If your vehicle stalls or is swept away, you could become trapped in dangerous conditions or need rescue.
Road conditions can change quickly. A road that looks safe one minute may become dangerous the next. If water is covering the road, assume it is not safe to drive. Turn around and find another route.
Newaygo County Emergency Services says public safety is patrolling areas impacted by the floods and remind drivers not to go around barricades. They've received reports of large trees and even some propane tanks floating down the Muskegon River.
The river was forecasted to crest at 18.6 feet by 8 a.m. Saturday. The Muskegon River at Bridgeton was forecast to crest at 20 feet by that time.
An evacuation center is set up at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging building, 93 S Gibbs St, in White Cloud.
In Kent County, the Grand River at Comstock Park was predicted to crest at 16.5 feet by 2 p.m. Monday. Major flood stage is 16 feet.
In Ottawa County, the Grand River is forecasted to crest at 16.1 feet by 8 a.m. Tuesday.
The Croton and Hardy dams are holding up in Newaygo County, but Sheriff Bob Mendham says it would be good for people still residing in in the area below the Croton Dam to evacuate. He said on West Michigan's Morning News that is because of rising water levels and the speed of the Muskegon River.
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