Whitmer Activates SEOC as Cheboygan Dam Faces Rising Waters
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated Michigan's Emergency Operations Center as water levels rise behind the Cheboygan Lock and Dam due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. State officials have a plan to protect residents and property, with potential increases in outflow and a possible refiring of a damaged hydroelectric generator. The Department of Natural Resources placed 1,500 sandbags, and officials warned that warmer weather and more rain could worsen conditions; residents should sign up for local alerts as the river sits 18 inches below the dam top and safety measures could intensify if it nears 12 inches below.