(WWJ) Downtown Midland is underwater after two dams breached, flooding the mid-Michigan city and surrounding communities.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Tuesday night declared a state of emergency for Midland County, after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed following heavy rains — releasing a torrent of water and forcing thousands of people to evacuate.
The National Weather Service called it a "life-threatening situation" as the Edenville Dam along the Tittabawassee River was breached at around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.
An alert sent out by the City of Midland stated: "Residents in Edenville and Sanford must IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE. City of Midland residents: We will update you on next steps as soon as possible. Please stay tuned." The Sanford dam gave way a short time later.
Along with Edenville and Sanford, parts of Midland Township, Lincoln Township and Homer Township have since also been evacuated for a total of more than 10,000 people. More evacuations could be yet to come.
At a new conference late Tuesday night, Whitmer said state officials expected downtown Midland to be under 9 feet of water. "This is unlike anything we've seen before... but this is truly a historic event that's playing out in the midst of another historic event," Whitmer said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic.
"If you have not evacuated the area, do so now and get somewhere safe," said Whitmer. "If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now. If you don't, go to one of the shelters that have opened across the county. I want to thank the emergency responders, Michigan National Guard members, and the Michigan State Police on the ground helping residents evacuate. Stay safe, and take care of each other."
- Read Whitmer's State of Emergency order -
Chief Meteorologist Bryan Bachman of WNEM-TV Wednesday tweeted that the Tittabawassee had reach the "highest level ever" — a full 10 feet above flood stage, and was still rising in Midland and the surrounding areas, to 34.64 feet as of 8:15 AM, closing in on a foot above the 1986 record.
Despite Whitmer's stay-home order due to COVID-19, Whitmer said it was crucial that people living the affected areas to evacuate.
The following shelters have been set up for mid-Michigan residents:
- Midland High School at 1301 Eastlawn
- Bullock Creek High School at 1420 S. Badour
- West Midland Family Center at 4011 W Isabella
People going to shelters were told to wear masks, and keep up social distancing as much as possible.
A number of street closures remain in effect throughout Midland County and the City of Midland. Residents are advised to obey all road closure signs and to stay clear of standing water, flooded areas and floating debris. Residents are urgned not to try to drive or walk through any standing water, and are told to take extra precaution where electrical items may be underwater.
"We have remained engaged with Midland County officials as the situation has progressed," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police/EMHSD. "We will continue to partner with the county to ensure they receive the needed resources to respond and recover from this incident."
For more information on shelters, road closures and for updates on the emergency, visit Midland911.org.
Midland, with a population of around 40,000 residents, is home to the Dow Chemical company.
