RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Expands State of Emergency for 32 Additional Counties as Severe Weather Impacts State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 15, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Governor Whitmer Expands State of Emergency for 32 Additional Counties as Severe Weather Impacts State 

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford counties as communities across the state deal with severe weather-related impacts from rising water levels, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes. 

“Today, I’m declaring a state of emergency for 32 additional counties following severe weather,” said Governor Whitmer. “Significant snowmelt, record rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes have damaged homes, roads, and businesses. This emergency declaration will help the state deploy additional resources to help local officials and first responders protect Michiganders and their property. The state will continue to coordinate with local governments and monitor the situation. I encourage everyone to stay updated and follow guidance from your local emergency manager. We will get through this together.” 

On Friday, April 10th the Governor declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to the threat of overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, which remains in effect. On Tuesday, April 14th, Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) statewide to monitor weather-related events. That same evening, the Governor declared an energy emergency statewide due to a disruption of gasoline supply at the U.S. Energy Cheboygan terminal on the Cheboygan River. 

Information on current conditions and response efforts is available at michigan.gov/cheboygandam. 

By declaring a state of emergency, the governor has authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties. 

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is coordinating the state’s emergency response through the SEOC. MSP troopers are on the ground assisting local emergency response efforts. 

The declaration also allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act, Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended. The funding helps local governments cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms. 

The MSP/EMHSD has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. All media inquiries should be sent to SEOCmedia@michigan.gov. For more information about the statewide response visit michigan.gov/aprilstorms. 

For more information on the current SEOC activation follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit  MIReady.  

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