Evacuation ordered along part of Muskegon River in Newaygo County
The Newaygo County Emergency Services ordered an evacuation Thursday morning for residents in the floodplain below Croton Dam along the Muskegon River in that West Michigan community.
The issue involved high water levels. The Michigan State Police said Thursday afternoon that the Muskegon River "is expected to rise from moderate to major flood levels within the next 24-48 hours, particularly downstream of Croton Dam."
First responders are checking the area to make sure residents have left, and anyone who is driving or walking past the barricades is subject to citation or arrest, Newaygo County's emergency alert said. Anyone who chooses to remain in the floodplain was warned that "public safety services will no longer be available until conditions become safe to respond."
Electricity will be turned off in that affected area, the emergency alert added.
Residents who evacuated could seek shelter at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging center in White Cloud if needed.
The Croton Dam is one of 13 hydroelectric dams owned and operated by Consumers Energy.
"Heavy rains and melting snow and ice have put tremendous pressure on Michigan's dams this week, but we want people to be sure to understand our 13 facilities are operating safely. They are structurally sound and can withstand this week's intense weather," said Jean Kang, Consumers Energy's vice president of generation operations.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has a flood warning in effect for the Muskegon River, along with additional river sections in West Michigan.
High water has been a problem across Michigan in recent days, especially in Northern Lower Michigan, where water is approaching the top of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.
