Flood warnings – Snowmelt flooding in central/western U.P.

Snowmelt flooding in central Upper Michigan is causing great concern today as above normal temperatures will continue across the area this week – with high temperatures in the low 60s to low 70s and low temperatures well above freezing.

Overflowing and fast-moving rivers are creating several flooding problems across the U.P. (see story Flooding Issues across the U.P.)

 
Rising water on the Chocolay River near the M-28 access to the fishing pier.
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Rising waters at the Chocolay River near the M-28 access to the fishing pier.

 

According to the National Weather Service, only a chance of rainfall in the area exists…and should be less than one quarter of an inch.

The warm weather will continue to quickly melt the remaining snowpack across the region and can create major flooding conditions. The melting snow is creating rapidly rising rivers, creeks and streams.

Even 6 inches of fast moving flood water can knock you off your feet…and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, you are advised to stop, turn around and go another way.

FLOOD WARNINGS are in effect for areas that include:

the Sturgeon River from near Alston downstream to Chassell

the Paint River in Crystal Falls

SNOWMELT FLOODING is expected in several locations, including:

the Trap Rock River in Lake Linden

the Peshekee River near Champion

the Michigamme River in Republic .

The NWS says there will also be excessive standing water as well as high water in low lying areas.  They advise people living or working near rivers, creeks or streams across western and central Upper Michigan to pay attention to the latest water levels through the week.

If you live in a location that has been impacted by snowmelt flooding in the past…now is the time to prepare. For further information…please visit the NWS Marquette web page at http://weather.gov/mqt or listen to NOAA weather radio. You may also find NWS MARQUETTE on facebook and twitter.

Counties that could be affected by flooding: Alger; Baraga; Delta; Dickinson; Gogebic; Houghton; Iron; Keweenaw; Luce; Marquette; Menominee; Northern Schoolcraft; Ontonagon; Southern Houghton; and Southern Schoolcraft.