Severe Weather Brings State of Emergency Declaration to Kalamazoo Area
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County have declared a local state of emergency in response to severe weather that has caused widespread flooding across the area.
The declaration comes after days of extended rainfall have saturated soil, elevated creek and river levels, and created dangerous flooding conditions throughout the county. City officials confirmed the emergency declaration through a Facebook post, noting that the situation requires immediate coordination of emergency services and state resources.
The declaration follows widespread damage and property loss caused by extended rainfall, saturated soil, elevated creek and river levels, and flooding conditions, city officials said.
Residents Affected by Water Intrusion
Numerous homes have experienced basement flooding and water intrusion. Local street infrastructure has also flooded in several areas, creating hazardous driving and walking conditions for residents.
Numerous homes have experienced basement flooding and water intrusion, and local street infrastructure flooding have occurred in several areas.
Forecasted rain is expected to further elevate groundwater levels and worsen the flooding situation in the coming days. Officials are urging residents not to walk or drive through flooded areas due to the danger of hidden hazards and rapid water movement.
Emergency Response Underway
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and crews from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services are deployed across the city, actively helping residents deal with the flooding emergency.
Local crews are:
- Checking homes and businesses for water intrusion