A State of Emergency has been declared in Newaygo County by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after over 130 homes have been flooded.

 

The county had requested state assistance to address the impacts of heavy rainfall and snowmelt, which resulted in widespread flooding.

 

Whitmer says as Newaygo County continues to deal with the effects of severe flooding, they are doing all they can to ensure the health and safety of their residents,” She says by signing this declaration, the state can offer even more resources to assist the county’s efforts.

 

Abby Watkins is the Director of Emergency Services for the county, she says at one point over 100 roads were flooded and dozens have been damaged by the water.

Watkins says almost 90-percent of the home owners effected do not have flood insurance since their homes are not in flood plains.

 

The Red Cross is now working with county officials to help local residents.