With the Muskegon River reaching major flood stage, Newaygo County Emergency Services has ordered an immediate evacuation below Croton Dam.
Officers are canvassing impacted areas, warning those who choose to stay that emergency services will not be available and power will be cut to protect the grid.
Dr. Jerry Evans is Medical Director for Region 6 Healthcare Coalition, coordinating with emergency response teams across 13 West Michigan counties.
“A couple of our long-term care facilities are in floodplains and so we are in contact with them, just watching and making sure that they're safe, and don't need evacuation at this point.”
All Muskegon River public river access sites below Croton are closed along with those on the White River near the Hesperia Dam where a flash flood watch is in effect.
Evans urges residents to take care while seeking higher ground as many roads are washed out or flooded and it only takes a few inches of water to float a car.
“Don't take risks. If you see a flooded road, don't drive through it, it's not worth it.”
Those choosing to drive around barricades or walk in restricted areas may be arrested.
An evacuation center is open at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging in White Cloud.
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