MSU Extension Emergency Management

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Flooding In Michigan

Flooding in Michigan affects homeowners and industry alike. When flood waters rise, farmers loose crops or are prevented from planting or harvesting, and homeowners and businesses may experience sewer back-ups or basement flooding.

Agricultural flooding can be a problem because it can kill affected crops. Most plants can only withstand being submerged for a short time. Flooding can cause the farmer to replant fields, or delay planting efforts. It can also lead to losses of fertilizers and herbicides, and in general cause the producer to loose money.

Coastal flooding is another problem in the state. Michigan's Great Lakes inhabit 95,000 square miles. These lakes drain an area of land that is twice that size. Approximately one-fifth of surface freshwater comes from Michigan's Great Lakes. There is 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline in Michigan. This is the longest coastline of freshwater anywhere in the world. The coastline is home to 4.8 million people and is located in 41 counties. Many factors continually affect this area such as water level, wind, and waves. Flooding and erosion are natural processes that occur within coastal areas, even when the water is at low levels.

When water levels are high, damage can occur in this area. When damage occurs it is often serious to the surrounding area's homes, businesses, and roads. Flooding can also affect the area waste treatment facilities and other coastal community buildings. Michigan has a long history in regard to flooding.

Flood History

Over the years there have been a significant number of floods in Michigan. One of the most significant floods occurred in Genesee County in February of 2001. This flood resulted in damages of approximately 9.4 million dollars. The flood was caused by heavy rainfall combined with melting snow.

In April of 1998, a flood occurred in Alpena County. This flood resulted in public damage of approximately 700,000 dollars. This flood was also caused by rapid snowmelt and heavy rains.

In May of 1996, there was a flood that affected the counties of Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola. Heavy rain fall was the cause of the flood. Damages from the flood to the county exceeded 1 million dollars.

In June of 1996, there were severe floods in the thumb area of Michigan. The floods were caused by severe thunderstorms and the damages came to approximately 25 million dollars.

One of the most significant floods occurred in September of 1986 and it moved slowly across Central Lower Michigan. The flood caused damages of over 300 million dollars. Michigan was granted a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which included thirty counties.

Flooding Causes

There are many factors that can cause floods; some, such as riverine flooding, have natural causes - typically excessive rainfall or snowmelt. Other causes include dam failures, increased development of flood plains, and dredging. Flood plain areas left in their natural states do not sustain significant damage when floods occur. However, due to development, rain water that previously had several days to flow into natural drainage basins and streams now runs more quickly to these areas. This causes significant amounts of damage to both public and private property.

Fighting Flood Damages

There have been many programs and initiatives put into place to try and fight flooding. The Advanced Measures Program was put in place to help prevent riverine floods from occurring. This program began after the Governor requested help from the U.S. Army Corp. When they arrived they put in place the Advanced Measures Program. This was done to assist the shoreline communities in Michigan and mitigate damage from erosion and flooding.

There are also programs that are put into place to help with flooding caused by dams. One such program looks at dam safety. Each dam is rated and categorized based on its hazard potential, mainly focusing on downstream safety in the event that the dam fails. Upon categorization the dam is regulated based on its rating and emergency operations plans are put in place. This helps to minimize future flood damages

Another measure being taken is attempting to control floodplain development. Floodplains are those areas that are prone to flooding. This is done to try and regulate future flood plain damage and financial losses. Stricter building codes are also being implemented to help minimize future losses from floods.

The following links will provide you with additional information pertaining to floods in Michigan.