Michigan Declares State Energy Emergency as Flooding Forces West Michigan Evacuations

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order to Keep Fuel Supplies Moving While Muskegon River Evacuations Continue

NEWAYGO COUNTY — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order declaring a state of energy emergency across Michigan as flooding forces evacuations in West Michigan and threatens dams throughout the state.

The order suspends motor carrier regulations to keep fuel trucks moving as rising water levels have delayed deliveries to the Cheboygan petroleum terminal. Meanwhile, residents along the Muskegon River near Newaygo County have been ordered to evacuate as flooding continues to worsen.

Energy Emergency Declaration

Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2026-6 on April 14, declaring a state of energy emergency statewide. The order exempts drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel from certain hours-of-service restrictions under 49 CFR Part 395.

"This order provides temporary relief from certain motor carrier regulations to support critical services like fuel transport, emergency response and utility crews," Whitmer said in a statement.

The emergency was declared because the Cheboygan petroleum terminal near the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex has voluntarily delayed barge deliveries due to rising water levels and potential debris. The terminal owner cited worker safety and environmental protection as reasons for the delay.

Without the fuel deliveries, truck drivers face longer distances to secure gasoline and diesel loads. The emergency order allows drivers to operate beyond normal hours-of-service limits when transporting essential supplies.

Muskegon River Evacuations in Newaygo County

Newaygo County Emergency Services ordered evacuations Thursday morning for residents living in the Muskegon River floodplain below Croton Dam. The evacuation order came after water levels surpassed major flood stage.

"Those remaining in the floodplain below Croton are directed to evacuate now," the county emergency services stated on April 16.

Officials confirmed there is no threat to the Croton Dam itself, but flooding has already taken over multiple roads in the area. The Muskegon River was measured at 12.16 feet at 9:15 a.m. on April 16, exceeding the major flood stage threshold of 12 feet.

Resident evacuees can seek shelter at the Newaygo County Commission on Aging center located at 93 S Gibbs in White Cloud.

Roads Closed and Power Shutdowns Expected

Multiple roads in Newaygo County were closed due to washouts or water over the roadway as of 3:00 p.m. on April 15. These include:

• Division Street Bridge on Maple Island Road in Hesperia
• Lee Avenue south of Lake Drive in Sheridan Township
• Osborn Avenue south of 32nd Street in Dayton Township
• Ramshorn Drive south of 32nd Street in Dayton Township
• Luce Avenue north of 32nd Street in Dayton and Sherman Township
• Comstock Avenue near Adams Street in Denver Township
• Baldwin Avenue between Baseline and 8th in Sherman Township
• Bridge Street Bridge in the City of Newaygo

Officials warned that power will be disconnected in affected areas to protect property and the electrical grid. Anyone driving around barricades or walking in closed areas may face citations or arrest.

Flooding Expected to Worsen

Based on current forecasts, major flooding is expected along the Muskegon River with river levels cresting between Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. Officials warned flooding conditions could be similar to or worse than the April 2014 flood that damaged hundreds of properties and resulted in several injuries.

The Maple Island Bridge may close if river levels at Bridgeton reach over 17 feet.

Statewide Flooding Emergency

The energy emergency declaration comes as flooding continues across Michigan. Water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex approached within 5 inches of the dam's top as of April 17.

Governor Whitmer has already issued a separate state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to rising water levels at the Cheboygan Dam. The facility has brought in 11 large pumps, including two 24-inch pumps that can each move 10,000 gallons per minute.

State officials are monitoring more than 20 dams across Michigan, with multiple engineers in the field. EGLE dam safety chief Luke Trumble stated the agency is "bracing for impact" and expects more structures to be affected as rivers continue rising.

Northern Michigan Communities Impacted

In Grand Traverse County, a state of emergency was declared as fire crews helped evacuate Boardman River residents. A bridge failed near Mayfield, making Beitner Road impassable.

Emmet County declared a local state of emergency after reports of worsening flood conditions. M-119, known as the Tunnel of Trees, washed out near Division Road in the area.

In Alpena, high water stressed sewers and forced the city to release partially-treated sewage to the Thunder Bay River.

Consumer Energy Response

Jean Kang, Consumers Energy's vice president of generation operations, stated the utility's 13 hydroelectric dam facilities are operating safely and are structurally sound despite the intense weather.

"Consumers Energy is working with Consumers Energy and the National Weather Service Grand Rapids Office to actively monitor the changing conditions and communicate information to residences impacted by the rising floodwaters," Newaygo County Emergency Services said.

Federal Disaster Declaration Pending

The White House has received a request from Governor Whitmer to declare a major disaster declaration for Michigan. This would allow federal funding for emergency response and recovery efforts.

Residents are urged to monitor local radio and television for statements and possible warnings. They can register for emergency alerts at http://www.nixle.com or call 211 for general support information.

Sources

• https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2026/04/14/executive-order-no-2026-6-declaration-of-a-state-of-energy-emergency
• https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/16/michigan-residents-along-muskegon-river-near-croton-dam-ordered-to-evacuate-as-water-levels-rise/
• https://www.9and10news.com/2026/04/16/muskegon-river-reaches-major-flood-stage-prompting-newaygo-county-evacuations/
• https://www.detroitnews.com/story/weather/2026/04/14/gov-whitmer-puts-michigan-under-state-of-emergency-amid-flooding/89615630007/
• https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/all-of-michigan-under-flood-watch-as-roads-washed-out-dams-fail-people-evacuated.html