PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MI) Widespread minor flooding in lower Michigan

Date: Tue, 19 May 2020 09:59:00 EDT

Summary: Crews responding to high water in Michigan

Event Information:

Strong storms passed through parts of the Midwest starting last Thursday bringing heavy rainfall in some locations served by the Upper Midwest Water Science Center. Parts of lower Michigan received rainfall into this morning of up to 5 inches, with 3-4 inches typical everywhere. There are currently at least 24 NWS reporting sites at near flood stage, 18 sites in minor flooding, 3 sites in moderate flooding, and the Rifle River near Sterling is in Major flooding category. A hydrographer is on site at that location currently and the GLRI water-quality sampling equipment is underwater and the stream is near low-steel. Emergency evacuations of residents along the Tittabawassee River upstream of Midland have occurred out of caution. The Tittabwssee River is expected to crest tomorrow at about 30 feet, which makes it one of a few times when the gage has reached that stage.


Ten persons in single-person crews are in the field today measuring locations across much of the Lower Peninsula. It is anticipated that work will continue through at least tomorrow.

Forecasts show little precipitation for the next few days.

USGS staff are in contact with NWS via NWSChat informing them of measurements as they are being made.