Thousands of residents in central Michigan were forced to evacuate today after two dams about 140 miles outside of Detroit failed yesterday. The Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, has declared a State of Emergency.
According to a report from the New York Times, the Edenville Dam and the Sanford Dam failed Tuesday after heavy rainfall. Residents in Edenville, Sanford and Midland, Michigan, were evacuated.
Midland is where the main Northwood University campus is located. Northwood is home to the University of the Aftermarket and other automotive degree programs. According to the University’s website, a complete evacuation of the campus has been ordered. As of 9 a.m. this morning, the Weather Service reported that the Tittabawasee River, which feeds the dams, was 10 feet above flood levels and continuing to rise.