State of Michigan activates emergency operations center

Road closures continue throughout metro Detroit

LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan issued the following statement Tuesday morning in response to record rain fall flooding metro Detroit:

The state of Michigan activated the State Emergency Operations Center late last night due to severe flooding in the metro Detroit region. Drivers are asked to avoid the area during the morning commute due to impassible roads.

Michigan State Police troopers have been working throughout the night assisting stranded motorists and clearing vehicles. Michigan Department of Transportation personnel have been fixing expressways due to the flooding and public infrastructure damage. Tremendous efforts are being taken to reopen I-696, I-75, M-39, M-10 and all other major routes in the metro Detroit region.

If you must drive, citizens are encouraged to monitor roads by going to www.michigan.gov/drive and take the following precautions:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

• Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

• Do not try to take short cuts—they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.

• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

The SEOC was activated at 10:26 p.m. Aug. 11, with state personnel monitoring and coordinating the situation in collaboration with local officials.

Emergency Information
The public is encouraged to monitor local news media for up-to-date weather reports and emergency information. To learn what to do before, during and after a flooding emergency, visit the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/beprepared.