Midwest Battles Historic Flooding After Days of Heavy Storms

Michigan and Wisconsin are undergoing severe – and historic – flash flooding after days of heavy storms. Rapidly melting snow is also contributing to the flooding due to the sudden increase in warmer temperatures after an equally historic snowfall. Both states have endured 3 to 5 inches of rain over the past five days, with floodwaters now washing out roads, destroying infrastructure, and forcing evacuations. Dams and levees are teetering on the brink of breakage as governors of the Midwestern states have declared states of emergency.

The areas affected include North and West-Central Michigan, along with parts of Southeast and Central Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. "We are in crisis mode right now," stated Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

FOX Weather reported that the 104-year-old dam in Cheboygan, Michigan, saw water levels rise to within 6 inches of its crest. State officials are collaborating with private dam owners to prevent breaches or flooding, with teams collecting debris from the river, specifically to stop it from entering the aforementioned century-old dam.

In Newaygo County, Michigan, propane tanks, among other debris, were spotted in the dangerous floodwaters. Officials ordered evacuations across parts of Newaygo and Oceana counties. A bridge in Traverse City, Michigan, was also destroyed as the Boardman River surged over it.

More historic flooding was reported along the Menominee River near the Wisconsin border, while Milwaukee is experiencing its wettest April in recorded history, with a whopping 8.03 inches of rain. The south side of Interstate 43 is also now underwater. In the central area of Wisconsin, parts of the city of Fond du Lac saw a flurry of flooded and abandoned cars. Downtown Madison is also seeing historic flooding.

Cheboygan resident Jon Bison spoke with FOX, saying, "I've worked my butt off my entire life for everything. This is above and beyond what a lot of people are going to be able to handle."