Michigan and Wisconsin Brace for Historic Flooding as Final Downpour Looms

Governors declare states of emergency as severe storms and rapid snowmelt push rivers to major flood stages

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:19pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting a flooded Midwestern scene with swollen rivers and partially submerged structures dwarfed by the dramatic, sweeping clouds and dramatic lighting, conveying the sublime power of the natural world.The overwhelming scale of historic flooding in Michigan and Wisconsin exposes the vulnerability of communities to the growing threat of climate change-fueled natural disasters.Madison Today

Dangerous flash flooding is unfolding across parts of Michigan and Wisconsin after days of heavy rain from severe storms and rapid snowmelt have pushed rivers into major flood stages, forcing evacuations. Governors of both states have declared states of emergency, and a final shot of rain is expected this weekend.

Why it matters

The flooding has washed out roads, pushed dams and levees to the brink of failure, and submerged entire neighborhoods. Residents are in 'crisis mode' as they brace for more rain, with some areas already recording their wettest spring on record. The extreme weather highlights the growing threat of climate change-fueled natural disasters.

The details

Floodwaters have inundated northern and West-Central Michigan, north of Grand Rapids, as well as parts of Southeast Wisconsin and Central Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. Numerous creeks and rivers have reached or exceeded major flood stage, with some residents in Cheboygan, Michigan prepared to evacuate after water levels rose to within 6 inches of topping a 104-year-old dam. Evacuation orders have also been issued in Newaygo and Oceana counties in West-Central Michigan, and along the Menominee River near the Wisconsin border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

  • Over the past 5 days, a widespread 3–5 inches of rain has fallen from repeated rounds of severe storms.
  • On Tuesday, a heavily-traveled bridge in Traverse City was overtaken and destroyed when the Boardman River surged over the bridge barrier.
  • On Wednesday, Interstate 43 in Milwaukee was completely submerged, paralyzing traffic as fans left a Brewers game.
  • On Friday, officials in Cheboygan said there were new washouts along the western part of Black Lake.
  • Another 1–2 inches of rain is expected for the region through Saturday.

The players

Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan, who declared a state of emergency and expanded it to include 33 additional counties.

Tony Evers

The governor of Wisconsin, who declared a state of emergency due to the severe weather and flooding.

Jon Bison

A Cheboygan, Michigan resident who said the flooding has been 'above and beyond what a lot of people are going to be able to handle.'

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What they’re saying

“We are in crisis mode right now.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

“I've worked my butt off my entire life for everything, this is above and beyond what a lot of people are going to be able to handle.”

— Jon Bison, Cheboygan resident

What’s next

Officials in both Michigan and Wisconsin are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for the final round of rain expected this weekend. Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

The takeaway

The historic flooding in Michigan and Wisconsin underscores the growing threat of climate change-fueled natural disasters. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, communities will need to invest in resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness to protect lives and property.