Residents Told To Evacuate Along Major MI River Due To Flooding

NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI — Some residents in a west Michigan community were told to evacuate Friday morning as floodwaters rise.

Officials warned those living below the Croton Dam in Newaygo County to evacuate as water levels on the Muskegon River continued to rise.

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Areas impacted include:

• Leisure Land Subdivision in Bridgeton Township
• Sycamore Flats in Ashland Township
• 100 Ave in Ashland Township
• Old Women’s Bend in Garfield Township
• Anderson Flat’s in Garfield Township
• Fright Hill in Bridgeton Township
• Homesite Park in Bridgeton Township
• River Ridge in Ashland Township
• Bell Meadow Drive in Bridgeton Township
• Devil’s Hole in Brooks Township
• Sarrell Street in the City of Newaygo

Officials also warned that power could be turned off in those areas. An evacuation center has been set up at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging building, located at 93 S. Gibbs St. in White Cloud.

Water levels at the dam are 12 feet higher than normal, but officials do not expect the dam to fail.

"We have no concerns about the structures of the Croton and Hardy dams," Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham said. "Those are fine. This is strictly a rising river level concern."

Officials have blocked off public access sites and warned that anyone who bypasses those blockades could be cited or arrested.

They also said there’s potential for more road closures throughout the day with more rain in the forecast.

"Road conditions can change quickly," county officials said. "A road that looks safe one minute may become dangerous the next."