WEST MICHIGAN (April 18, 2014) – Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared Newaygo and Osceola Counties to be in a “state of disaster” after last week’s storms. Officials say severe flooding has topped record levels, and has many homes still underwater.
Michigan State Police helicopters caught some of the hardest hit areas in Osceola County on camera. According to the National Weather Service, the Muskegon River at Evart flooded at a record-breaking level of 15.97 feet. As of Friday morning, the area was reported to still be at major flooding levels and higher than 14.5 feet.
Following the Muskegon River Southwest into Newaygo County, pictures show the power of the rushing water at Croton Dam.
Fox 17 News viewer Jeremy Church shared a picture of the Muskegon River leaving just two feet of clearance under the US-31 Southbound bridge Thursday. Then flooded roads nearly covered street signs in North Muskegon.
In Twin Lake viewer Jen Bellew snapped a shot of homes flooded at Bayne Road and Maple Island Road.
Officials say it is extremely dangerous to drive through flooded roadways, and ask drivers to use marked detours.
Osceola County Emergency Management said the Muskegon, Hershey and Middle Branch Rivers are expected to continue to rise slowly for the next 24 to 48 hours into the weekend, and residents should be prepared to evacuate. Officials also said a shelter will be open at Spring Hill in Evart. For more information, residents are asked to call the American Red Cross at (231) 796-6562.
The National Weather Service predicts the Muskegon River will be back under flooding stages by Tuesday morning.
