Michigan Declares Energy Emergency as Flooding Threatens Fuel Supplies

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of energy emergency across the state as widespread flooding threatens fuel supplies in northern Michigan communities.

The executive order, signed Tuesday, provides for temporary relief from motor carrier regulations to support fuel transport, emergency response, and utility crews. Whitmer said she is temporarily suspending driver hours regulations to stabilize fuel supplies in key areas of northern Michigan.

"Protecting Michiganders and their property is our top priority," Whitmer said in a statement. "With already high water levels across the state and more rain in the forecast, I am temporarily suspending motor carrier regulations for driver hours to stabilize fuel supplies in key areas of northern Michigan and support local communities, first responders, and utility crews as they work hard to keep people safe."

Northern Michigan has experienced heavy rain and rapid snowmelt which has resulted in widespread flooding. The flooding threatens homes, roads, and infrastructure including the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex on the Cheboygan River. Last week, the governor declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County to support work around the Cheboygan Dam and prevent it from failing or overflowing.

Downstream of the Cheboygan Dam, the U.S. Energy Cheboygan petroleum terminal is a key facility for delivering gasoline and diesel fuel to the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Due to rising water, debris, and the potential for more flooding, the terminal owner has voluntarily delayed barge delivery of gasoline and diesel fuel to ensure worker safety and environmental protection.

To ensure continued stability of fuel reserves in the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, the executive order provides for temporary relief from certain motor carrier regulations to support fuel transport, first responders and utility crews, and public safety.

Flooding conditions have worsened across northern Michigan. Residents in parts of Cheboygan County have been asked to evacuate after a levee in the Little Black River Watershed breached. Officials said the area is located northwest of and separate from the Cheboygan River and its dam and lock complex, which are being watched closely by state and local officials.

The Little Black River dumps into Lake Huron and is not a tributary to the Cheboygan River that flows into the city where the dam is located. Residents in the Little Black River Watershed have been told to evacuate and travel south into Cheboygan until further notice.

Emmet County evacuation orders followed after erosion along South Lakeshore Drive north of Harbor Springs led to evacuations. There was rising water near the Crooked River Locks and county officials warned of significant impacts in Pellston, Petoskey, Alanson and Cross Village.

Dam safety engineers with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy visited six critical dams threatened by rising water levels:

• Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
• Hillman Dam in Montmorency County
• Homestead Dam in Benzie County
• Union Street Dam in Grand Traverse County
• Rugg Pond Dam in Kalkaska County
• Bellaire Dam in Antrim County

Additionally, Buck's Pond Dam, a small dam in Alcona County, failed Monday night, damaging the roadway over the dam. The Michigan State Police said the state is monitoring the status of other dams across Michigan as the entire Lower Peninsula has been placed under a flood watch.

Worsening conditions have led to reports of damage in some locations. In Traverse City, a sinkhole about the size of a car has formed next to the Boardman River, which has swelled following days of rainfall. Officials there declared a local State of Emergency due to flooding impacts.

Roads under water in Presque Isle County drew concern from social media users. Several roads were under running water, including Heythaler Highway outside of Rogers City.

The Emmet County chairperson of the board of commissioners declared a local state of emergency after reports of worsening flood conditions as water levels continued to rise. M-119 was closed between Island View Road and Division Road, and US-31 in Bay View was detoured at Division Road due to flooding.

"Motorists should avoid affected areas, expect delays, and use caution, especially on low-lying roadways where water may be present," the county emergency dispatch said on its Facebook page.

Pellston Regional Airport remains closed to commercial air traffic, and officials anticipate closures for multiple days as conditions worsen. Water levels near the airport were at or slightly above US-31.

Thunderstorms and other severe weather are expected to make their way across Lower Michigan Tuesday evening and into early Wednesday. The worst weather is likely to hit in the southern part of the state, with up to 3 inches of rain, plus possible hail and an isolated tornado. Part of the northern half could get an inch of precipitation or more in some locations.

Authorities are urging Michiganians to check the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and its Facebook page for critical updates and the state's MiDrive website for information about road closures.

Sources

• https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/gov-whitmer-signs-an-executive-order-to-stabilize
• https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/weather/2026/04/14/gov-whitmer-puts-michigan-under-state-of-emergency-amid-flooding/89615630007/