Flood advisory issued as US and Canadian Coast Guard work to break up ice jam in St. Clair River

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. (WWJ) - A flood advisory was posted Thursday afternoon from officials monitoring water levels on the St. Clair River as joint operations between the American and Canadian Coast Guards work to remove an ice jam.

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The advisory -- in effect until noon on Friday -- was posted for residences along the St. Clair River between St. Clair and Algonac, to include East China Township, Marine City and Pearl Beach. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Department said minor flooding is possible for low-lying areas and spots with poor water drainage. Officials urged locals to take steps now to protect property and to remember to stay a safe distance away from the river bank.

The National Weather Service said prevailing winds out of the north will continue to push water from Lake Huron into the blocked St. Clair River. The winds are expected to continue into Friday and the potential for more ice blockages will increase over the next day.

The ice jam was discovered after the US Coast Guard spoke with numerous callers who were concerned about rising water levels along the shores of the river.

Officials from the US Coast Guard said two American cutters will be escorted by a Canadian Coast Guard ship up the waterway to remove the blockage, just north of Lake St. Clair-- additional operations are scheduled for the next couple of days to ensure the river remains clear.

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The US Coast Guard said they will continue to closely monitor for flood potential along the St. Clair River with support from the St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Canadian Coast Guard -- they had previously said levels remained below flood stage.

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Officials asked residents to remain alert and seek help from local emergency managers if needed for the next 24 hours.

For more on flood preparedness, please visit weather.gov.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ for the latest updates.