Flood Warning Issued as Heavy Rain, Rising Rivers Emerge for Easter Weekend
A flood warning has been issued across parts of Michigan and the Midwest as heavy rain and rapidly rising rivers threaten to make for a dangerous Easter weekend for millions of Americans.
The situation is most acute in Michigan's Great Lakes region, where the Tittabawassee River in Midland has become the focal point of an escalating crisis. As of Saturday morning the river had already reached 22.49 feet, and the National Weather Service is now projecting a crest of 25.80 feet by 8 p.m. Sunday — Easter night. Multiple streets in Midland have already been shut down, with more closures expected as levels continue to climb through the weekend.
The Chippewa Nature Trail, Wood Duck Trail, the Loop and portions of the Field Trail have been closed until further notice. Anyone planning outdoor activities in the Midland area this Easter should expect significant disruptions.
Genesee County, home to Flint, is also under a flood warning with minor flooding already occurring — and the Genesee County Sheriff's office says conditions aren't expected to improve until Monday at the earliest. A flood watch remains in effect for parts of Southeast Michigan as additional rounds of heavy rain move through the region Saturday night.
What the Flood Forecast Looks Like Across Michigan
The rain isn't done yet. Current conditions show temperatures in the low 40s across Midland and Flint, with a 75% chance of rain Saturday giving way to a sharp temperature drop Sunday — meaning any standing floodwater could freeze overnight in some areas as temperatures fall into the upper 30s. A mix of snow is possible Monday across parts of Michigan as the system pushes through.
@demps387 Rain rain go away #Michigan #Flood
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For anyone traveling through the region this holiday weekend, conditions on the roads could deteriorate quickly. Flood warnings mean flooding is happening or imminent, not just possible. Do not drive through standing water or around barricades.
What To Do If You're Caught in Flash Flooding
- Get to higher ground immediately — don't wait for conditions to worsen
- Never attempt to drive through flooded roads. As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person down; a foot of water can sweep away a vehicle
- If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
- Monitor local emergency management alerts and the National Weather Service at weather.gov for real-time updates
The National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies are urging residents across affected areas to stay off closed roads, avoid all standing water, and have an emergency plan in place before conditions peak Sunday night.