ALGONAC (WWJ) -- There are concerns for residents about flooding with a big ice blockage along the St. Clair River.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for areas along the St. Clair River, from Marysville downstream to Algonac, due to the blockage that first reported Tuesday morning.
"Ship Cam" video, provided by the Algonac-Clay Historical Society and the City of Algona, shows impressive ice jams near Algonac, where St. Clair County Emergency Management responded at 8:10 a.m.
Ice jams on the St. Clair River at Algonac
Streaming video
Emergency Management Director Justin Westmiller said they'll need an icebreaker vessel for this job.
"We are right at what's called the alert stage," he told WWJ's Beth Fisher. "And obviously we're working with our partners, with the U.S. Coast Guard and Operational Coal Shovel, as well as our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers, to see what we can do to get an icebreaker in to remove the plug."
"We know that the Samuel Risley (Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker) is in the middle of Lake St. Clair right now, and it will be escorting a vessel through the system," Westmiller said, "and it looks like they will be unable to break off from that escort and do any flood relief. So we're working with our partners now to get the next cutter in to potentially do flood relief."
Westmiller said East China Township and the city of St. Clair could see some minor flooding.
NWS reminds the public: "Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe."
The advisory is in effect until 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.