Mancelona, MI – Drivers across parts of northern Michigan face rapidly rising water before sunrise Tuesday, with flooded roads and low-lying areas becoming impassable in a matter of minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 6:15 a.m. Tuesday for southeastern Antrim, eastern Kalkaska, and northwestern Crawford counties. Radar shows thunderstorms dropping between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain already, with up to 1 additional inch possible through the early morning hours.
Communities including Mancelona, Frederic, and Blue Lake Township are seeing the greatest risk, especially along smaller creeks, rural roadways, and underpasses. Portions of M-66 and local county roads could see water over the pavement where drainage is poor. Nighttime conditions are making it harder to spot flooded stretches, increasing the danger for early commuters.
Emergency officials urge drivers to avoid all flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can stall or sweep away vehicles. Residents should keep phones charged and monitor alerts as storms continue to move through the region.
The flooding threat is expected to ease after sunrise, but additional advisories could follow if storms redevelop later Tuesday.
