COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -Even though it has not rained for two days, the flooding situation around Branch County seemed to get worse Thursday.
A voluntary evacuation of Pilot Knob on Coldwater’s west side was issued by Branch County Emergency Management, due to flooding and the failure of some utilities in the area.
The voluntary evacuation was issued after Branch County 9-1-1 Director Kurt Spalding determined the rising water levels were a health and safety concern.
If they have not done so yet, affected residents are being asked to call 278-SAFE, the American Red Cross or Branch County Communications at 278-3091 for more information.
Branch County Administrator Bud Norman read a memo from County Drain Commissioner Mike Hard during the Branch County Board of Commissioners work session Thursday.
Hard said the storm event will be very costly for Branch County. There have been many reports of rainfall in excess of five inches in the last few days. In addition, almost 16 inches of snow rapidly melted thanks to warming temperatures.
Hard added all of the dams in the county are open and are dumping as much water as they can. Many areas around the lakes are flooded as are many houses and basements. Some Branch County residents say they have lived in the county for over 50 years and have not seen a water event like this in their lifetime.
Hard reported many areas around the lakes and houses are flooded. He added this maybe the worst flooding in Branch County in several decades.
Hard said this weather event has caused a large amount of damage and it will take months to get all of the repair done. Officials will not be able to assess the amount of damage and the costs until the flood waters have gone down.
The Branch County Road Commission reported Thursday night that there were still 20 reported road closings in the county. Drivers are being urged to stay alert for high water and washouts.
