Following the devastating floods in Midland County, Michigan, President Donald J. Trump has signed a federal emergency declaration opening the door for federal resources for the affected areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported record rainfall where more than 4 inches (100mm) fell across parts of Midland in 48 hours, 17 to 19 May.
The torrential rain caused the Edenville Dam to collapse on the evening of 19 May, sending floodwaters south. Soon after, water spilled over the Sanford Dam and further flooded the Tittabawassee River and the surrounding area. The governor ordered more than 10,000 residents of Edenville, Sanford and Midland City to evacuate.
On 20 May the Tittabawassee River reached a height just over 35 feet (11 metres), which is about about four feet higher than levels during the devastating 1986 floods, but lower than the predicted 38 feet. Flood waters have since started to recede slowly. As of the evening of 21 May, the Tittabawassee River level was under 30 feet and falling.
According to a statement from the City of Midland “residents may return to their homes as soon as they deem it safe to do so, taking into consideration the safety of the structure and condition of utilities.”
However, many roads remain closed throughout Midland County and some areas of the City of Midland are experiencing a disruption in sanitary sewer service as a result of the flooding.
