Muskegon Sun

A state of emergency has been declared for Muskegon County after heavy rains have caused inland flooding. 

On May 18, the state of emergency was declared as a way to track and assess flood activity and damage, according to WoodTV. The emergency was also declared to determine if federal assistance will be needed. 

Neighborhoods and businesses in the area have been affected by the water levels in local lakes, rivers and on Lake Michigan, County officials told WoodTV. The heavy rainfall has resulted in these lakes and rivers showing high water levels. 

Some areas are seeing road closures as a result of the rain as well. Fenner Road in Laketown Township has a portion of the road closed that sits over Green Creek, which was washed out from the rainfall and flooding, according to WoodTV.

Muskegon County residents are reporting damage they have received due to the flooding. Some residents said they have never seen flooding like this before. 

“We’ve lived here since 1993, and we’ve never had water in our basement or like it is out back here,” Karan Valler, Muskegon County resident, told WoodTV. Valler said there was 8 inches of water in her basement, which caused severe damage. 

County officials are asking any residents to fill out an online form if they have any flood damage to their property. To report damage, residents can visit this online form and submit it. Residents can also report flood damage by phone by calling 211 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday.

Flood damage can also be reported through email. Residents can send an email to EM@co.muskegon.mi.us with their name, address, cell phone number, descriptions and pictures of their damage. 

On May 17, Ottawa County also declared a state of emergency due to heavy rains and flooding, according to WoodTV. The county reported over 100 homeowners with damage as of May 18.