ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Since April 12, heavy rain and melting snowbanks have caused flooding across the southern U.P. While conditions in many places are improving, the region is not yet out of the woods.
According to Delta County Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Geyer, last month’s late-season blizzard is just one contributing factor to the area’s flood conditions.
“We had a large amount of water content in the snowpack,” Geyer explained. “We’ve had some rainstorms built into the melting. We had a very wet soil, so there wasn’t a lot of ability for the soil to absorb that water.”
High water levels have led to extended road closures and have impacted homes and businesses throughout the county.
“We haven’t had anybody that has been displaced from any flooding yet,” said Geyer. “One home near the airport has had some significant flooding, as well as our airport in general. We had to shut down flights. In fact, there’s still no flights taking place.”
The National Weather Service is reporting a few drier days ahead. However, more rain is expected at the end of the week, so Emergency Management teams will still be keeping an eye on the snowmelt.
“A lot of our snowpack in southern Delta County is pretty much gone, but you go to the northern parts of the county and definitely up into Alger and Marquette counties, there’s still a lot of snow that needs to drain off into the various river sheds,” Geyer said.
Part of the Emergency Management response includes monitoring water levels at the Ford River, the Sturgeon River, and the Escanaba River.
“Even though it’s not as concerning with floods along the Escanaba River, we still have concerns with the dam flowing that large amount of water,” said Geyer. “Down in the northern Lower Peninsula, they’ve had some levees and some areas that have failed, and that can cause flash flooding concerns.”
While Delta County is not currently in danger of flash flooding, Geyer says it is smart to have an evacuation plan in place, pack essential items in case of an emergency, and always exercise caution.
“The main phrase that we like to quote is, ‘Turn around; don’t drown,'” he said. “It takes very little water to displace, especially, a smaller vehicle. It takes a little bit more for an SUV or a truck, but we still caution people when driving in those areas. In addition to that, some of the road shoulders could be not so secure. Follow the weather service. Follow those emergency alert messages that may come out over the TV or radio.”
Follow the Delta County Emergency Management Facebook page for road condition updates. Stay tuned to WZMQ 19 for the latest on flooding in Delta County.
