State of Emergency Declared as Kalamazoo Faces Rising Water Levels

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The City of Kalamazoo has declared a local state of emergency following widespread damage and property loss caused by ongoing flooding, city officials said Monday.

The declaration comes after extended rainfall, saturated soil, elevated creek and river levels, and flooding conditions created dangerous conditions throughout the city. Governor Gretchen Whitmer added the City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County to Michigan's State of Emergency Declaration on Friday.

Water levels in the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek continue to rise slightly, according to the city, but officials say those levels are expected to begin decreasing and will continue the downward trend. Morrow Dam near Galesburg remains at a high-flow stage but is operating with no known issues and is being monitored constantly.

"City of Kalamazoo officials continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide updates as necessary," city officials said.

Numerous homes throughout Kalamazoo have flooded basements and experienced water intrusion due to abnormally high groundwater levels. Local streets and infrastructure have also become flooded in several areas.