Large chunks of ice rammed into homes along Michigan’s Black Lake in the northeastern Lower Peninsula due to constant spring rainfall and winter melt, leading to flooding and threatening to overflow stressed dam systems.
Photos and videos shared on social media show ice occupying living rooms after breaking through windows and doors. Local homes, garages, and sheds are submerged under several feet of muddy water.
“Black Lake, Black River, Cheboygan River, Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, the Sturgeon River and nearly every waterway in the county have overflowed their banks, swallowing docks, roads, yards, and, in many cases, homes,” reported the Cheboygan County sheriff’s office.
Evacuations were ordered for homes along Black Lake’s west side the previous weekend.
“These ice sheets are massive, mini glaciers if you will,” said local resident Christopher Narsesian. “They just run down everything in their path.”
Officials are working to prevent debris and ice from blocking the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Ice chunks have also been observed moving through nearby Mullett Lake.
Last week, authorities took action by adding pumps to enhance water flow through the dam and restore power to an old hydroelectric station. A significant chunk of ice had previously snapped a safety cable at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, closing access points temporarily.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in Cheboygan County and over 30 other counties due to severe weather and flooding. Narsesian expressed concerns for those affected, highlighting that many residents lack adequate flood insurance.
As weather conditions stabilize, the community remains vigilant, worrying about more impending damage as ice levels still pose a threat.
