Governor Whitmer Expands State of Emergency to 32 More Counties Amid Severe Weather Impacts

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced a state of emergency for 32 additional Michigan counties as communities continue to face widespread damage from severe weather, including flooding, rising water levels, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

The newly included counties are Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Wexford.

“Today, I’m declaring a state of emergency for 32 additional counties following severe weather,” said Governor Whitmer. “Significant snowmelt, record rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes have damaged homes, roads, and businesses. This emergency declaration will help the state deploy additional resources to help local officials and first responders protect Michiganders and their property. The state will continue to coordinate with local governments and monitor the situation. I encourage everyone to stay updated and follow guidance from your local emergency manager. We will get through this together.”

The expansion follows earlier emergency actions taken by the state. On April 10, Whitmer first declared an emergency in Cheboygan County due to concerns about potential overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, which remains under watch. On April 14, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated statewide to track ongoing weather developments. That same evening, the governor also declared a statewide energy emergency after a gasoline supply disruption at the U.S. Energy Cheboygan terminal along the Cheboygan River.

Residents can find updates on conditions and response efforts at michigan.gov/cheboygandam.

The emergency declaration authorizes the use of all available state resources to support local response and recovery efforts. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is leading coordination efforts through the SEOC, with state troopers deployed to assist local agencies on the ground.

In addition, the declaration enables eligible communities to apply for financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act. These funds can help cover emergency response costs and repairs to public infrastructure damaged by the storms.

Featured photo: Heavy rains and snowmelt have caused flooding in all Michigan counties. Pictured here are homes on the chain of lakes in Antrim County. Photo by Shelly Kimmel.