Full Notification

Flash Flooding in Cass County Mi.

Sheriff Richard J Behnke reports that his office is taking a large amount of complaints at this time regarding flash flooding around the county. A number of roads have been closed because of flooding over the road or culverts failing and washing out. Several residents in the area of Oil City Rd and Davis Lake St. were evacuated from their homes this evening because their homes were under water and the current from washouts were moving propane tanks, shed, boats and other large items causing a hazard to
anyone in the immediate area. There were two separate water rescues that occurred where people became stranded in or on top of their vehicles in large fast flowing bodies of water. There were 17 weather related calls dispatched to Sheriff's Deputies and Fire personnel during a three hour period between 4:00pm and 7:00pm. The exact number of road closures and damaged culverts are unavailable at this time but updated press releases will be sent out when that information becomes available.

People are urged to stay off the roads until rain events subside and if you do travel proceed cautiously and slowly through areas where there are water over the road. If the water is flowing at a fast rate or appears to be more than a few inches in depth turn around and go back the way you came finding a safer route to proceed. We have numerous roadways that have washed out completely as well as area's were roadways are completely underwater for hundreds of yards across. Rain events are expected to continue through Sunday and more flooding and dangerous road conditions are expected to continue. Please limit travel at this time unless necessary.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office worked with the Cass County Marine Division, Cass County Road Commision, Pokagon Band Tribal Police, the Michigan State Police and numerous Fire Department throughout Cass County during this weather event.