DETROIT – Michigan State Police are still cautioning that several roadways in southeast Michigan continue to be closed due to flooding and unsafe driving conditions. Motorists are reminded to only travel as needed and to obey all traffic restrictions and traffic barriers.
"The state remains in contact with local officials to ensure all necessary resources are deployed to protect public health and safety," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). "First responders continue to respond to flooded roadways and motorists are requested to obey all traffic restrictions as there continue to be unsafe driving conditions in several areas."
Stranded vehicles are being towed away from the affected areas as water recedes. Owners of stranded vehicles should contact their local law enforcement agency or the MSP Metro Post at (248) 584-5740, to determine where their vehicle was towed.
Residents and business owners are asked to report any property damage to their local emergency management office.
A contact list for local emergency management offices is available at www.michigan.gov/emhsd.
State agency response efforts:
•Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers are being used to assist stranded motorists, check abandoned vehicles and to block flooded roadways. Divers with the MSP Underwater Recovery Unit continue to check submerged vehicles; approximately 70 submerged vehicles have already been checked and cleared with no occupants present. The MSP Aviation Unit conducted a flyover of the impacted areas to provide aerial footage for emergency response personnel.
•The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues their operation of removing water and debris from the affected areas, as well as inspecting to ensure safety on roads and bridges. Drivers are asked to continue to avoid the area due to impassible roads. Even if the roadway looks safe, the substructure may have eroded and is unsafe to drive or walk on. If you must drive, citizens are encouraged to monitor roads by going to www.michigan.gov/drive and monitoring Twitter at @MDOT_MetroDet.
•The SEOC was activated at 10:26 p.m. on August 11, and continues to be activated with state personnel monitoring and coordinating the situation in collaboration with local officials.