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
  • Monitoring flooded streets and infrastructure
  • Coordinating with state emergency management resources

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and crews from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services are deployed across the city helping residents.

Free Resources for Affected Residents

Residents are being encouraged to check their basements and homes for signs of flooding or water intrusion. Anyone who discovers flooding is asked to report it through an online survey provided by city officials.

Free sandbags have been made available to help residents mitigate water intrusion. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Services is establishing sandbag distribution sites at the following locations:

  • Northside Association for Community Development (NACD)
  • Douglass Community Association
  • Edison Neighborhood Association

The Michigan State Police Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division is coordinating the distribution of cleanup kits for affected residents. Residents can call 211 to request cleanup supplies.

County Coordinates State Resources

Kalamazoo County has declared its own state of emergency to support local response efforts and access state resources for flood recovery.

Kalamazoo County declared a state of emergency to support response efforts and access state resources.

More information on the situation and ongoing response efforts can be found by monitoring the official City of Kalamazoo Facebook page.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the evolving conditions and follow guidance from local emergency management officials.