Michigan and Wisconsin major flood map warns of possible evacuations

Rivers in parts of Michigan and eastern Wisconsin are at or forecast to reach major flood stage, and officials say significant evacuations may be needed as additional rain is expected.

Rivers across Michigan and eastern Wisconsin are reaching or are forecast to reach major flood stage after several days of heavy rain and earlier snowmelt. The National Weather Service has placed large areas under flood alerts. Officials and forecasters have warned that the major flood designation can include widespread inundation and that significant evacuations may be possible. Additional rounds of rain are expected this week, which could worsen river conditions. Official reports: - The entire state of Michigan and much of eastern Wisconsin remain under some form of National Weather Service flood alert. - Several rivers in northern and eastern Wisconsin and in northern Lower Michigan are at or forecast to reach major flood stage, according to federal river-gauge forecasts. - Emergency officials in parts of Wisconsin have urged people near vulnerable waterways to be prepared for short-notice departures, and evacuations have begun downstream of dams considered at risk. - Forecasters say more rain and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday night into Thursday and again Friday night into Saturday, which could drive rivers higher. Summary: Major flood-stage conditions can involve widespread inundation, road closures and threats to infrastructure, and authorities say significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are possible. The extent and timing of any additional evacuations depend on incoming rainfall and evolving river forecasts and are undetermined at this time.