A closure of local waterways has been lifted, but officials urge boaters to still use extreme caution.
In a Friday, May 15 update, Emergency Management Director Lt. Jeremy Runstrom said water levels throughout Cheboygan County remain above normal. Recent flooding has created hazardous conditions on many lakes, rivers and channels where debris like logs, branches and docks may be present. High water levels can also create stronger currents, colder water temperatures, submerged hazards and unpredictable navigable conditions.
Boaters should reduce speed, especially near shorelines and in narrow channels, and maintain a proper lookout at all times. They should also avoid creating excessive wakes, as shoreline erosion and property damage remain concerns.
On Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a request for a major disaster declaration following severe spring weather. Storms, heavy rain and tornadoes caused widespread damage and severe flooding in 41 counties and three municipalities across the state.
“Nearly every area of the state was impacted from April’s severe weather, including widespread flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes,” said Whitmer in a statement. “The initial emergency response efforts continued for many weeks, but now teams from the state along with our federal and local partners are out assessing the damage. Given the sheer size and scope of this disaster, additional time is needed to determine the resources necessary to support long-term recovery efforts. This is a historic event, but we will recover together.”
In many areas, including Cheboygan County, floodwaters have been slow to recede, which can make it difficult to access some locations and assess damages.
The State Emergency Operations Center and a state of emergency were activated for Cheboygan County on April 10 due to the threat of overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Over the next few weeks, many more counties and communities were added to the declaration.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan County waterways reopen, officials urge caution
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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