Marquette County Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Flooding

Escanaba, Chocolay, and Menomonee Rivers pose threat, with M-35 in Gwinn area a key concern

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:48am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded river valley, with the expansive floodwaters overwhelming the surrounding countryside and dwarfing any visible structures or roads, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.Marquette County braces for the rising waters of the Escanaba, Chocolay, and Menomonee Rivers, as officials declare a state of emergency to prepare for the expected flooding.Marquette Today

Marquette County in Michigan has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of significant flooding along the Escanaba, Chocolay, and Menomonee Rivers. The declaration, signed by the County Board Chair, Sheriff, and Emergency Management Director, is a preemptive move to ensure essential personnel and critical resources are in place and ready to respond if vital roads become affected or cut off by the expected high water levels.

Why it matters

Flooding is a serious threat in Marquette County, with the Escanaba, Chocolay, and Menomonee Rivers historically prone to overflowing their banks during heavy rain and spring snowmelt. The state of emergency declaration allows the county to quickly mobilize emergency services and resources to protect residents and infrastructure in the most vulnerable areas.

The details

The state of emergency declaration puts the county's emergency operations center on alert in case the flooding impacts critical roads like M-35 in the Gwinn area. Residents in flood-prone zones are being urged to closely monitor the county's social media channels for any warnings or evacuation notices, and to never attempt to drive through high water, which could contain deep areas that could submerge a vehicle.

  • The state of emergency was declared on April 18, 2026.

The players

Joe Derocha

Marquette County Board Chair who signed the state of emergency declaration.

Greg Zyburt

Marquette County Sheriff who signed the state of emergency declaration.

Brian Hummel

Marquette County Emergency Management Director who signed the state of emergency declaration.

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What they’re saying

“If you do find yourself in high water, do not attempt to drive through it, as it may contain deep areas that could flood your vehicle.”

— Greg Zyburt, Marquette County Sheriff

The takeaway

The proactive state of emergency declaration in Marquette County demonstrates the importance of early preparation and coordination between local officials to protect residents and critical infrastructure from the threat of severe flooding. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, communities must remain vigilant and responsive to evolving environmental risks.