EDENVILLE

EDENVILLE, MI — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will remove hazardous waste from a vacant former gas station, auto repair shop and restaurant in Edenville that was flooded and never reopened after the 2020 dam failure. Drums filled with toxic chemicals have been left unsecured outside and a sinkhole has developed around the septic field. EGLE says contamination has remained within the property line and nearby residents are connected to municipal water. The EPA says site work should be completed by mid-spring and safety measures will be taken to ensure surrounding buildings and homes aren’t affected. Related stories:Judge: Edenville Dam attorneys lied about flood originTittabawassee River flowing through Sanford Dam againMichigan gets $50M to fix roads after 2020 floodCounties approve special tax to fund lake restoration

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive $50 million from the federal government to pay for bridge and road repairs following the 2020 Midland area flooding disaster caused by the Edenville dam failure. In Michigan, the funding will help reimburse an estimated $102 million in flooding damage to roads and bridges eligible for federal aid, according to MDOT. The M-30 causeway bridge in Edenville washed away by the flood was reopened with a temporary structure in March 2021. Another M-30 bridge over the Tittabawassee River in Edenville was reopened about five months after the flood. The state also managed the replacement of some local structures to help the Midland County Road Commission and the village of Sanford, MDOT said.

MIDLAND COUNTY, MI - The Michigan Court of Appeals rejected an appeal by the State of Michigan Monday, Nov. 8 in a decision that will once again allow Edenville flooding cases to move forward, according to a news release from a law firm representing victims. In May, a Michigan Court of Claims judge denied a motion from the state to dismiss residents’ cases, writing that the state’s governmental immunity does not apply to “inverse condemnation,” the claim at the heart of the lawsuits. Now that the appeals court has denied the state’s appeal of that decision, the cases will return to the Court of Claims for future proceedings, according to a news release from Ven Johnson Law.

SANFORD, MI -- Sanford Rising kicked off events this week to celebrate how far the community has come since the Edenville and Sanford dams failed a year ago, causing the flood that caused havoc on the town. Hundreds of people gathered downtown to participate in a lineup of events on Friday. The day included a car show in Porte Park, a parade down Saginaw Road, a Jeep show in Sanford Village Park, a runaway show of bridal dresses at Three Diamonds Bridal, a hot air balloon glow and live music. Saturday will wrap up the festivities, but features a full day of things to do from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check out the schedule on Sanford Rising’s Facebook page.

SANFORD, MI - A short year ago, Sanford’s Center Street experienced constant vehicle traffic as Sanford Lake slowly rose and water gushed through the dam. Later that evening on May 19, 2020, thousands of residents were evacuated due to the failure of Edenville and Sanford dams. A year later, hundreds of people stood near the Sanford Dam in unity to remember, be there for one another and celebrate how far they have come. Sanford Village President Dolores Porte was surprised to be given a special recognition during the ceremony as the never-ending support from her community caused her emotions to overwhelm her. “I tell people, ‘this isn’t just a village, this is an experience’ and it really is.

One year ago, people in Midland County were trying to leave their homes as a wall of water came rushing in.

The bill would boost federal cost-sharing aid to small local governments after a disaster like the flooding that overwhelmed the Midland area last May.

SANFORD, MI -- On Tuesday, May 19, Midland County and surrounding areas were drowned in floodwater from Wixom and Sanford lakes after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed. Upstream from Sanford, the Curtis Road bridge in Edenville has been rebuilt as and a temporary bridge has been put in on M-30. Plants are growing on the dry lake beds of Sanford Lake and Wixom Lake. It may be another five years before the Edenville dam is rebuilt and the water returns to Wixom Lake. Check out the video which shows side-by-side comparisons from May 2020 and May 2021.

MIDLAND, MI - An attorney representing victims of the 2020 Edenville dam collapse flooding said he believes the state owes residents ‘billions’ in related damages at a news conference Monday, May 17. The flooding was declared a state and federal disaster, causing more than $209 million in damages. Johnson called on concerned observers to contact their representatives and ask them to help expedite the litigation against the state. Comparing the situation to the Flint water crisis settlement and Johnson said flooding victims should be part of the solution and not lost in legislation. Read more:Timeline: The Edenville Dam saga, before, during and after the breakState police arrest Shiawassee County man for child pornHere’s how Michigan will make businesses enforce its newest mask mandate

Vegetation should be allowed to grow wherever possible and residents should seek permission before removing plants or trees, said EGLE. EGLE is also warning residents not not burn any material unless permitted by local authorities and follow all local ordinances for waste disposal. EGLE provided a set of frequently asked questions for residents concerned about sprouting and growing vegetation, including:Can herbicides be used to control plants? The safe use of herbicides under the appropriate regulations can effectively remove unwanted vegetation and invasive plant species. It is recommended that only invasive plants be cut down to allow for native vegetation to become established.

Hydroelectric dam owner Boyce Hydro Power, LLC has been fined millions for safety violations after dam failures caused catastrophic floods near Midland.

In this Wednesday, May 20, 2020, photo, people survey the flood damage to the Curtis Road Bridge in Edenville, Mich., over the Tittabawassee River. (Neil Blake/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)EDENVILLE, Mich. – Crews will begin lowering a spillway connected to a dam that failed last year and contributed to massive flooding in parts of mid-Michigan. The Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway will be lowered by more than 20 feet (6 meters) starting Feb. 24 to help prevent future flooding, according to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. More than 11,000 people in the Midland area had to be evacuated last May after heavy rains stressed the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) downriver. The nearly century-old Edenville Dam had been the target of lengthy investigations by federal regulators.

EDENVILLE, Mich. (AP) — Crews will begin lowering a spillway connected to a dam that failed last year and contributed to massive flooding in parts of mid-Michigan. The Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway will be lowered by more than 20 feet starting Feb. 24 to help prevent future flooding, according to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Water levels are expected to drop about 12 feet behind the dam — and less upstream — by the second week in March, the agency said Wednesday. More than 11,000 people in the Midland area had to be evacuated last May after heavy rains stressed the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about 7 miles downriver. The nearly century-old Edenville Dam had been the target of lengthy investigations by federal regulators.

MIDLAND, MI - A federally created team investigating the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams is asking Michigan residents to provide firsthand accounts of the Edenville Dam’s condition on the day of the collapse. The team asks anyone with firsthand observations, photos or videos of the embankment to reach out to it through email at michigan.dams.forensics@gmail.com. Heavy spring rain led to the failure of the Edenville Dam near the Gladwin-Midland county line and subsequently led to the failure of Sanford Dam downstream in Midland County. The dam collapse caused flooding that initially displaced 10,000 people, damaged thousands of homes and caused more than $200 million in property damage. Read more:Through pandemic, floods and protests, these Michiganders helped all of us weather 2020Michigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild communityEdenville and Sanford Dam investigators put out call for information

In Michigan, it was also the year aging hazard dams forced a long-overdue reckoning among state regulators. In retrospect, members of the state’s Dam Safety Task Force say a disaster like that which occurred when the Edenville Dam failed was probably inevitable. The (state dam safety program) does not require owners of high hazard dams to perform detailed engineering re-evaluations of their dams to determine conformance to current state-of-the-art and to uncover latent dam safety defects that come with age.”Similar warnings have come before. Attendance of legislative staffers on online task force meetings is a positive sign, members say. “I think consensus of the task force is that it’s not.”The task force is nearing the end of its work.

SANFORD, MI - Rebecca Johnson and Autumn Pontseele’s home in Sanford was one of more than 4,000 in Midland County impacted in May by a devastating flood after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed and millions of gallons of muddy water poured downstream. Their home in Sanford, located just northwest of the city of Midland, was severely damaged. They were featured in recent story by Mlive/The Saginaw News as they picked up the pieces. Check out the video above to hear their journey of recovery and rebuilding that’s occurred in the months following the disaster. 60 Sanford family gets life back on track in wake of mid-Michigan floodRead more flood coverage here:Flood and mud destroyed their home, but now a Michigan family has reason to celebrateMichigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild communitySee progress in Midland County 6 months after historic floodDebris removed from Sanford Dam months after flooding disasterVolunteers rally to help Midland area pick up the pieces after devastating floods‘Our whole life is gone,’ says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods‘We lost our whole town:’ Sanford salvages what’s left after flood destroys homes and businessesHow a spring rainstorm became a 500-year flood event in mid-MichiganEconomic impact, future of failed dam’s repair weigh heavy on residents around Wixom LakeSaginaw County residents sort out life and their belongings after mid-Michigan flooding

EDENVILLE, Mich. – Crews have started emergency construction work on a portion of a central Michigan dam that collapsed last spring and contributed to flooding that destroyed homes and forced the evacuations of about 10,000 people. Excavation work will be done below the Edenville Dam in Midland County, according to state officials. The dam failed during a steady rain in May, draining Wixom Lake and unleashing the Tittabawassee River, which then overwhelmed the Sanford dam, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit. Work also is being done inside the Tobacco River spillway in Gladwin and Midland counties to prepare it for being lowered by 21 feet (6.4 meters), officials said. The Edenville Dam is classified as a high hazard dam.

Below are before and after images six months apart after the Edenville and Sanford dam failures caused major flooding in Midland and Sanford. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comWater floods the Midland Area Farmers Market and the tridge along the Tittabawassee River in Midland on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comPeople check out the flooding near the H Hotel in downtown Midland on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comWater floods the Midland Area Farmers Market along the Tittabawassee River in Midland on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.comA bike share system is under water near the Midland Area Farmers Market along the Tittabawassee River in Midland on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

The Four Lakes Task Force announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18, that it will pay $1,576,000 to Boyce Hydro for the Edenville, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord dams. The settlement stems from condemnation proceedings initiated by the task force, which began taking steps in July to obtain the dams through eminent domain powers. Larry Kogan, an attorney for Boyce, called the deal with Four Lakes Task Force a “prudent decision” that allows the group to begin winterizing the dams before bad weather arrives. In September, the Four Lakes Task Force estimated it could cost $338 million to repair all four dams. The task force expects to complete a feasibility study by April and hopes to restore the lakes to pre-flood levels by 2025.

MIDLAND, MI — The Michigan Department of Transportation is receiving a more than $25 million federal grant to repair and reconstruct roads, highways and bridges damaged by the Edenville and Sanford dam failures following severe rainfall in May. “This $25 million grant is the first installment of federal relief funds needed to continue work to restore our roads and bridges following the flood and dam breech. MDOT estimates damage at 70 locations on federal roads due these dam failures, according to their news release. “I am proud to announce this substantial federal grant to repair roads and bridges across mid-Michigan damaged by the devastating flooding and dam failure,” Kildee said in a statement. Traffic is to be detoured via eastbound US-10, Stark Road, and westbound US-10.

The Four Lakes Task Force, the nonprofit “delegated authority” for the dams' maintenance and operations, released a report on Sept. 10 to update the public on the dams and nearby lakes. The Edenville Dam failed May 19 after heavy rainfall, devastating the neighboring areas and draining Wixom and Sanford lakes and damaging Sanford Lake dam. The Edenville Dam would require most of the funds at about $208 million, and the Sanford Dam needs another $92 million chunk. The order is to partially breach the Edenville Dam’s Tobacco River spillway to improve the stability of the Tobacco River portion of the Edenville Dam. Ahead of the dam safety operations review, the state announced that it was hiring a third dam safety engineer.

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an emergency work order to Edenville Dam owner Boyce Hydro. Boyce Hydro, LLC and Boyce Hydro Power, LLC, both owned by Lee Mueller, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early August. The emergency work order requires Boyce Hydro to immediately hire a contractor to do the work and send EGLE proof of a contract by Sept. 21. There will also be a review of the state’s dam safety operations, performed by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials and the new Michigan Dam Safety Task Force will provide recommendations to the state on how to limit risks going forward. Ahead of the dam safety operations review, the state announced that it was hiring a third dam safety engineer.

LANSING, Mich. – Labor Day Weekend on Sanford Lake is typically filled with boats and people having fun on the water. After May’s dam failures emptied the lake, many residents are left wondering how long it’ll take to come back. Residents are still hopeful things will return to normal. The state ordered Boyce Hydro -- the owners of the dams -- to make emergency repairs Tuesday, but since the company filed for bankruptcy, the state will likely be forced to foot the bill. Edenville faces Labor Day weekend without their beloved Wixom LakeYou can watch Tim Pamplin’s full stories above in the video players above.

The report provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the Edenville Dam, plans to restore the Tobacco River's flow and the lack of coordination with the dams' owner Boyce Hydro. But while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, EGLE provided the first of a series of reports requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that will provide information about how the dam failures came to be and reviewing dam safety policies in Michigan. The report doesn’t address any parties at fault for the dam failures, but addresses what EGLE will do next to address the safety concerns left by the Edenville dam. Read more: Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines

Theyre frustrated that the owners of the Edenville Dam are ignoring deadlines, so they issued them an emergency order. The Edenville Dam failed May 19, leaving 11,000 people evacuated and 2,500 structures damaged by the 500-year flood. With Tuesdays emergency order, Boyce Hydro is forced to alter the Edenville Dam to ensure public safety and have that project done by the end of the year. State officials believe that is the best option to address dam safety concerns right now. They will take a look at Michigans Dam Safety Program and an independent investigation is looking at the factors that led to the dam failure.

Nature is returning to the dry beds of a string of mid-Michigan lakes that drained in May after two dams failed during torrential rains. (AP Photo/ Jeff McMillan)LANSING, Mich. Nature is returning to craters left from lakes drained by two dams that failed in May during torrential rain in mid-Michigan. It hopes to restore the infrastructure and shoreline of Wixom and Sanford lakes and prevent homes from being lost to the eroding edges of what were once the lakes. Under eminent domain, the owners, Boyce Hydro and and Boyce Hydro Power, could be ordered to sell the properties to the task force as the governmental body representing the counties, task force spokesperson Stacey Trapani said. Four Lakes Task Force estimates it will cost more than $30 million to stop the erosion, remove the debris left by the flooding and stabilize all four dams.

MIDLAND, Mich. As many as 60 residents have joined a class-action lawsuit against the owners of the dams that failed and caused catastrophic flooding in mid-Michigan. READ: Investigating who is responsible for Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsTheres a lot of finger pointing as residents join a class-action lawsuit against the dam owners and the state. We moved up here because we wanted to be by the lake (where) we grew up as kids, Tom said. Lantzys law firm is representing more than 60 families in the class-action lawsuit against dam owner Boyce Hydro. The lawsuit looks to hold Boyce Hydro negligent and liable for damages, including medical expenses, property damage and property value.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host a news briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday to provide an update on the aftermath of the Edenville and Sanford dam failures and subsequent flooding in Mid-Michigan last month. You can watch the briefing live in the video player above at 3 p.m.Nessel will be joined by the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Liesl Clark and the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Dan Eichinger. The briefing comes almost three weeks after nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes due to a massive flooding emergency caused by breaches in the Edenville and Sanford dams. The flood damaged countless homes, businesses and roads in central Michigan. Whitmer requests investigation of dam breach that caused massive flooding in mid-Michigan

MIDLAND, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will offer an update on the state’s response to the devastating floods in Midland County last month. Whitmer will provide a brief update alongside local officials on the state’s response to the historic flooding in Mid-Michigan. Afterward, she will volunteer at the flood relief donation distribution center. The briefing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. -- you can watch it live in the video player above.

DETROIT – Buckfire Law Firm announced Tuesday two class-action lawsuits filed against Edenville and Sanford dam owners and the state of Michigan following the devastating flood emergency in central Michigan last month. Nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes on May 20 after multiple dams were breached, causing a massive flooding emergency in the region. Tuesday’s lawsuits are part of a series of filings against the dam owners and state for allegedly neglecting to ensure the dams operated in accordance with federal guidelines. The dam owners have previously received multiple citations from federal regulators for failure to meet safety guidelines over the last decade. MORE: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsBuckfire Law is representing 19 mid-Michigan residents in the federal class-action lawsuit against dam owners Boyce Hydro and its manager Lee Mueller.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – On Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was back in Midland County to announce an investigation into why the Edenville and Sanford dams gave way. A week later, piles of debris lined neighborhoods. READ: Shocking mid-Michigan flood pictures show ravaged roads, underwater houses, floating carsNeither of them know if their homes are stable enough to move back into. MORE: More than 800 volunteers visit Midland to help flood victims despite pandemicWatch the video above to hear from Coulson and Mills.

Debris line neighborhoods in mid-Michigan as community deals with damage from devastating floodsPublished: May 27, 2020, 5:17 pmOn Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was back in Midland County to announce an investigation into why the Edenville and Sanford dams gave way.

Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference on Wednesday to provide an update on the state’s response to the historic flooding event in Midland County. “This flooding forced thousands to evacuate their homes, destroyed public infrastructure, ruined homes and businesses, and caused major natural resource damage,” said Governor Whitmer. The Kriegers and Sperlings own adjacent properties and homes on the banks of the Tittabawassee River less than a mile south of the Edenville Dam. Whitmer extended the state of emergency for Midland County to include three additional counties last weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for Midland County last Thursday.

Gretchen Whitmer has added three counties to her state of emergency issued as a result of two dam failures that caused devastating floods in the middle of the state. Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties have been added to the state of emergency that was issued for Midland County. “I have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties to the declaration to ensure access to critical resources. (WDIV)Officials evacuated 750 Saginaw County residents, 500 Arenac County residents and more than 100 Gladwin County residents due to rising waters. By adding them to the state of emergency, Whitmer allows these three counties to receive law enforcement and shelter support, road repair help, search and rescue services and more.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Historic flooding caused by dam failures forced thousands from their homes in mid-Michigan. The Edenville dam and Sanford dams failed. At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Edenville Dam that created Wixom Lake gave away. MORE: Residents in Midland County return after evacuationsThe American Red Cross is still helping residents impacted by the floods. READ: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsView the list of shelters below:

LANSING, Mich. On Wednesday, May 20, Michigan National Guard units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron, and other nearby communities responded to a request from Michigan State Police (MSP) to aid evacuating residents following massive flooding in the Midland area resulting from the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. Working in cooperation with state and local incident commanders and county Emergency Operations Center personnel, Michigan National Guard members were dispatched to help evacuate 21 individuals, as well as six dogs and two cats threatened by the flooding. Guard members utilized equipment such as Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) that are capable of driving through high water for this mission. In addition to assisting community members, Michigan National Guard members recovered and removed books from a flooded library in Midland. This rapid response was accomplished while the Michigan National Guard remains heavily integrated into the State of Michigans fight against COVID-19.

In this Wednesday, May 20, 2020, photo, people survey the flood damage to the Curtis Road Bridge in Edenville, Mich., over the Tittabawassee River. The lawsuit came as yet more residents were forced to evacuate their homes after being overwhelmed by flooding along the Tittabawassee River and conjoining waterways. FeganScott, a law firm that specializes in class action suits, is representing businesses and homeowners affected by the flooding. Officials have said the Sanford Dam, built in 1925, was overflowing during the flooding but that the extent of structural damage wasnt known. Wixom Lake in Midland Countys Hope Township lost most of its water when the Edenville Dam failed.

President Donald Trump, who was in Michigan to visit a Ford production plant, signed an emergency declaration authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. In Midland, 61 people spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning in temporary shelters, according to city spokeswoman Selina Tisdale. That number — mostly the elderly and families — dwindled throughout Thursday as floodwaters receded and some residents were able to return home, she said. Much of the area remained underwater, including in Midland, the headquarters of Dow Chemical Co. And floodwaters continued to threaten downstream communities. “And my hat’s off to Midland.”Other area residents returned to their homes to find heavy damage.

This is beginning to raise concerns about environmental impacts from the debris and the force of water that washed away homes, but also because of existing environmental cleanup efforts that have been on-going. Dow Chemical has been in business since 1897 and is now a multi-billion dollar company with facilities in 30 countries. Dioxins and furans are byproducts from chlorine-based products produced there over its history and have was released into the Tittabawassee River. Mid-Michigan hasnt seen a flood of this magnitude since 1986 when floodwaters caused Dows waste-water system to empty into the Tittabawassee River. With these massive floods happening recently across Mid-Michigan again, its unclear how these floodwaters will affect the Saginaw River basin.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. A State of Emergency was declared for Midland County after two dams failed. The Edenville Dam broke and the Sanford Dam was breached late Tuesday night. It was almost a surreal piece of good news for the Midland County Emergency Management team to announce the Tittibiwassee River had crested at 35 feet on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.Its still 11 feet above flood stage and the area is still days away from the waters receding. On the Tobacco River, near the Edenville Dam people tried to salvage what they could. Unlike the Edenville Dam, where the water physically broke through -- sending parts of the dam downriver.

EDENVILLE, Mich. The Local 4 Defenders have uncovered new information about who is responsible for the failure of the Edenville Dam, which led to catastrophic floods in mid-Michigan. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowThe situation has turned into a bitterly contested finger pointing match on who is to blame for the Edenville Dam failure. Dam failure isnt unheard of in Michigan. Lack of investment in dam infrastructure is not uncommon in Michigan dams, which have suffered from deferred maintenance over the course of decades. That, combined with the historic rainfall and flooding, were factors in the Edenville Dam failure."

EDENVILLE, Mich. – The Local 4 Defenders have uncovered new information about who is responsible for the failure of the Edenville Dam, which led to catastrophic floods in mid-Michigan. The owners of the Edenville Dam have been cited by federal regulators since 2004 for safety issues. The company that owns the aging, crumbling 96-year-old dam, Boyce Hydro, was cited for years for its failure to increase the project spillway capacity. Lack of investment in dam infrastructure is not uncommon in Michigan dams, which have suffered from deferred maintenance over the course of decades. That, combined with the historic rainfall and flooding, were factors in the Edenville Dam failure."

SANFORD, Mich. – The catastrophic flooding caused by two dam failures in mid-Michigan has affected multiple communities, but nobody has been hit harder than the small town of Sanford. After the Edenville Dam collapsed, all eyes turned to the Sanford Dam, which had water and debris pressing up against it. She said the community of 800 people is going to need help. “There’s a lot of debris floating in the lake.”She said the first job is to remove the debris forced up against the Sanford Dam. Red Cross officials are also at the scene to help residents.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – In an event like this, you really get the true scope of what’s happened from the air -- the damage runs on for miles. RELATED: Aerial video shows complete devastation caused by dam failures in mid-MichiganThe images are chilling -- buildings are submerged and towns have become lakes because the dams couldn’t withstand the rising water. RELATED: ‘Catastrophic’ flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowIn Edenville, roads are washed away with big chunks missing. In Midland -- the area’s largest city -- water rose around the three-way pedestrian bridge landmark in the city’s downtown. MORE: Tim Pamplin tours mid-Michigan flood damage: ‘Roof of a house.

Touring the destruction caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan from the abovePublished: May 20, 2020, 5:25 pmIn an event like this, you really get the true scope of what’s happened from the air -- the damage runs on for miles.

Flooding: Lake Wixom emptied in EdenvillePublished: May 20, 2020, 4:16 pmCatastrophic flooding caused by dam failure in mid-Michigan has left shocking damage to roads, houses and entire cities in the area.

EDENVILLE, Mich. – Catastrophic flooding caused by two dam failures in Midland County have completely destroyed many of the roads in the area. The Edenville Dam, which federal officials had concerns about and stripped of its license, gave way after about nine inches of rain. A gas station owner at the corner said the water came through at 5 p.m. Tuesday, taking out the bridge and a nearby home. The power of the water when it came through was enough to blow holes in the road and warp the guardrail. Sections of the entire bridge are gone, with flowing water visible below.

Published: May 20, 2020, 11:10 amMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Catastrophic flooding caused by dam failure in mid-Michigan has left shocking damage to roads, houses and entire cities in the area. A clear look at a road torn apart by water in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)A car floating in the middle of flood water in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)The high flood levels in Midland County on May 20, 2020. (WDIV)A building underwater in Midland County on May 20, 2020.

Published: May 20, 2020, 10:35 am Updated: May 20, 2020, 12:22 pmMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4′s Tim Pamplin is in mid-Michigan to see the damage caused by two dam failures that led to catastrophic flooding across the area. AERIAL VIDEO: Complete devastation caused by dam failures in mid-Michigan“Beyond these bushes you see the roof of a house,” Tim said. He went to Downtown Sanford, finding the post office and restaurants almost completely underwater. Live reports all day on @Local4News pic.twitter.com/0deTDn0MwU — @Nightcam (@nightcam) May 20, 2020UPDATE: downtown Sanford is under water after several dams and levees fail. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/486IlfmJyk — @Nightcam (@nightcam) May 20, 2020

Published: May 20, 2020, 9:55 am Updated: May 20, 2020, 10:38 amMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4 has new video of the devastating damage and flooding caused by multiple dam failures in mid-Michigan. Aerial video from Sky 4 shows the state of Midland County around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Edenville Dam has broken and the Sanford Dam has been breached, officials said. No idea where rest of the house is’“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County,” she said. Families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered Tuesday evening to leave home.

The failure of two dams in Michigan driven by heavy rainfall late Tuesday has brought record-setting flooding to nearby communities as thousands of residents evacuate their homes. The collapse of the Edenville Dam and the Sanford Dam, about 140 miles north of Detroit, has released floodwaters that have inundated houses and business along the Tittabawassee River and prompted the National Weather Service to issue a rare flash-flood emergency. The Tittabawassee River, which has already reached a record height of nearly 35 feet as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday and continues to rise rapidly, is forecast to crest 38 feet by 8 p.m. tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration for the state and warned that downtown Midland could be under approximately 9 feet of water on Wednesday. "This is one of those nightmare scenarios that meteorologists hope never happen," Meteorologist Eric Holthaus wrote in a tweet.

The commission ordered Boyce Hydro to form an independent team to investigate three other dams it owns on the rivers that were vulnerable to a "cascading failure scenario." Water overruns Sanford Dam in Michigan on May 19, 2020, in this still frame obtained from social media video. The Edenville dam's spillway capacity was only about 50 percent of the probable maximum flood, the commission said. Among its other violations: performing unauthorized dam repairs and earth-moving and failing to file an adequate public safety plan, maintain recreation facilities or monitor water quality. "The record demonstrates that there is no reason to believe that Boyce Hydro will come into compliance," the commission added.

click to enlarge ShutterstockAs if things weren't already bad enough in Michigan, on Tuesday, dams in Edenville and Sanford flooded. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Midland County and ordered all residents to evacuate the area immediately. "It may be unlike anything we've ever seen, but federal regulators saw this coming. In 2017, after a dam in Oroville, California was breached,warned "Michigan's aging, crumbling dams pose a risk. As of press time, Mueller, who lives in Las Vegas, had not commented on the crisis his dam caused in Michigan.

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Gretchen Whitmer provided an update Wednesday afternoon after the Edenville and Sanford Dams failed causing flooding in Midland County. A number of street closures remain in effect throughout Midland County and the city of Midland. Tuesday night, Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County urging residents to evacuate as soon as possible. The Michigan State Police requested that the units to provide assistance evacuating Midland area residents. To receive the latest information on shelters, road closures and flooding in Midland County visit here.

WATCH: Edenville Dam breach viewer videoPublished: May 19, 2020, 11:15 pmA breached dam caused by several days of rainfall and rising water has forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in mid-Michigan.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday evening urged anyone near the river to seek higher ground following “castastrophic dam failures” at the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles (225.31 kilometers) north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about seven miles (11.26 kilometers) downriver. Emergency responders went door-to-door early Tuesday morning warning residents living near the Edenville Dam of the rising water. The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland, according to Selina Tisdale, spokeswoman for Midland County. The Edenville Dam, which was built in 1924, was rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 by the state. The Sanford Dam, which was built in 1925, received a fair condition rating.

Gretchen Whitmer provided a complete update on the mid-Michigan floods, touching on the devastating damage to the community, possible legal action against the dam owners and when experts expect the peak water levels to arrive. 500-year eventWhitmer spoke around 1 p.m. Wednesday after she had just completed an aerial tour of the catastrophic damage caused by two dams failing in Midland County. A building almost completely underwater in Midland County on May 20, 2020. Updated information can be found at Midland911.org or The Midland County Emergency Management Facebook page. School buses almost completely underwater in Midland County on May 20, 2020.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan National Guard is assisting the states response to unprecedented floods in mid-Michigan caused by the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says downtown Midland could soon be covered by nine feet of water. Officials say more than 200 soldiers and additional equipment are expected to arrive throughout the day with more guard members on standby for aviation, rescue hoist and logistical support if necessary. Guard members are still following protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) during this emergency response, officials said. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County late Tuesday night in response to the flood crisis.

Published: May 20, 2020, 12:09 pm Updated: May 20, 2020, 4:31 pmMIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update Wednesday on the flooding caused by dam breaches in Midland County. You can watch her full comments in the video above. The Edenville Dam broke and the Sanford Dam was breached, causing devastating floods throughout the county. The governor spoke about the states response to the emergency around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Trish Wilson, a Redford resident, has a cottage on Wixom Lake. Wixom Lake had been drained almost entirely after the dam failures. "This is where we have been coming since I was born.At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Edenville Dam that created Wixom Lake gave away. Wilson said she was near the dam when it happened and could hear the water rush through the trees. Wixom Lake flooded through the area.

HOPE, Mich. Catastrophic flooding caused by two dam failures in mid-Michigan have reshaped many communities. Wixom Lake is gone. At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Edenville Dam that created Wixom Lake gave away. Bill Sian and his family lives right at the bridge and they were home when the water came through. It looked like Niagra Falls coming over the bridge," Sian said.

This photo shows a view of a dam on Wixom Lake in Edenville, Mich., Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Edenville dam, in Michigans Gladwin and Midland counties, includes a series of earthen embankments totaling about 6,600 feet (2,012 meters) long, with a maximum height of nearly 55 feet (16.8 meters). The Edenville dam's spillway capacity was only about 50 percent of the probable maximum flood, the commission said. Among its other violations: performing unauthorized dam repairs and earth-moving and failing to file an adequate public safety plan, maintain recreation facilities or monitor water quality. The record demonstrates that there is no reason to believe that Boyce Hydro will come into compliance," the commission added.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. Two individuals were reported as trapped in the Clinton River in Rochester Hills on Tuesday afternoon. The Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived to the area of Avon and South Livernois to rescue the individuals around 5 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters found the individuals out of the water, but their kayaks were wedged in tree debris in the river, officials said. The Rochester Hills Fire Department is urging extreme caution to residents visiting the river due to high water and fast moving currents caused by recent heavy rains. Officials say downtown Midland could be under 9 feet of water due to the condition of the Edenville dam.

For the second time in less than 24 hours, families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered to leave home. Emergency responders went door-to-door early Tuesday morning warning residents living near the Edenville Dam of the rising water. The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland, according to Selina Tisdale, spokeswoman for Midland County. "Dow Michigan Operations is working with its tenants and Midland County officials and will continue to closely monitor the water levels on the Tittabawassee River," Schikorra said. The Tittabawassee River was at 30.5 feet (9.3 meters) and rising Tuesday night - flood stage is 24 feet (7.3 meters).