MI Governor Issues Emergency Declaration After 2 Dams Collapse

MICHIGAN — An emergency declaration has been ordered following the collapse of the Edenville and Sanford dams, which was caused by large amounts of rain and prompted the evacuation of residents living in the area and caused flooding throughout the northern mid-Michigan community.

In a news conference Tuesday night, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said much of the city of Midland could be under 9 feet of water due to flooding. Whitmer urged the evacuation of people living in the area, and said residents as far south as Saginaw Township in Saginaw County may be evacuated as well.

"I will issue an emergency declaration tonight to ensure officials have the resources they need to respond to the Edenville Dam collapse," Whitmer said on Twitter Tuesday night. "The State Emergency Operations Center is activated & fully engaged in the response. We’ll share additional information as it becomes available."

The Edenville Dam is located where Wixom and Sanford lakes connect in northern mid-Michigan. The Tittabawassee River flows south from the two lakes, through Midland and to Saginaw, where it connect with the Saginaw River and Shiawassee River in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Shelters have opened across Midland county and are available to residents who need a place to go. Shelters remain open until further notice at:

• Midland High School at 1301 Eastlawn,
• Meridian Junior High School at 3475 N. Meridian Road,
• Bullock Creek High School at 1420 S. Badour,
• and the West Midland Family Center at 4011 W Isabella.

“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 MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to partner with the county to ensure they receive the needed resources to respond and recover from this incident.”

Those seeking more information on shelters, road closures, and updates, visit Midland911.org.
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 should not attempt to drive or walk through any standing water, and should take extra precaution where electrical items may be submerged.

Residents have already made note of the damage dealt by the dam failure. Aaron Rigsby, a storm chase with KKTV News tweeted that the M-30 Bridge, has collapsed due to the dam failure.

While the collapse could have significant ramifications to those living near it, concerns are stretching far beyond the Edenville community. Dave Kook, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told The Midland Daily News, the failure of the Edenville Dam has caused more water to flow into Sanford Lake, causing issues for the Sanford Dam.

Residents have said officials are evacuating people in cities along the Tittabawassee River, such as Freeland.

Earlier Tuesday, it seemed concerns over the structural integrity of the dams could be eased. Officials told WNEM in Saginaw that all dams were structurally sound. That changed later in the day, when officials ordered evacuations due to the impending collapse of the Edenville Dam.

This is an evolving story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.