State of Emergency Declared in 3 Michigan Counties

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a declaration on July 9 after severe storms triggered flash-flooding across Northern Lower Michigan on June 29.

Juliette Fairley

Published: 7/10/2026, 11:00:38 PM EDT

State of Emergency Declared in 3 Michigan Counties — FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives a policy speech at an event, April 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in three counties on July 9.

The declaration comes after severe storms triggered flash flooding across Northern Lower Michigan on June 29.

"Today, I am declaring a state of emergency for Antrim, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties following severe rain and flooding that has damaged local roads and infrastructure," Whitmer said in a July 9 Facebook post.

According to the executive order, Antrim and Emmet counties experienced ditch washouts, slope failures, culvert failures, and washouts of trunkline roadway sections, while Cheboygan County experienced severe erosion and drainage system failures along a major roadway.

"This declaration will deploy critical resources and financial assistance to families and first responders,” Whitmer said.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) noted that four to seven inches of rain fell in two hours, which resulted in flooding that overwhelmed regional drainage networks.

Several underground drainage pipes failed due to being overwhelmed by the rain. Closures include the M-66, M-88, and M-119 surface roads, according to state and local engineers.

Residents are urged to monitor emergency broadcasts and avoid severely eroded roadways while first responders clear debris and assess structural stability.

“All state resources have been made available to respond to this emergency, and the state will continue to coordinate with local governments on response and recovery efforts,” Whitmer added.

The state of emergency empowers the state to pursue federal funding and reimbursement programs through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to offset the cost of rebuilding.

Under Michigan's Emergency Management Act, the governor's declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police and its Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to intervene with recovery logistics and state-level resources beyond their normal range.

“I want to thank all the first responders working tirelessly to keep Michiganders safe,” Whitmer added.

The July declaration marks the second time this year that the state has enacted emergency measures due to weather conditions.

In April, Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center, and declared a rolling state of emergency across 43 counties following storms, rain, snowmelt, and tornadoes.

At the time, Whitmer, a Democrat, thanked President Donald Trump for approving the state’s request for a major disaster declaration.

"President Trump has confirmed that residents and communities across Michigan impacted by the April severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes will receive much-needed support through millions of dollars in federal disaster assistance," she said in a statement. "This funding will help families begin their recovery and provide critical resources to affected communities.”