FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 August 24, 2023

Gov. Whitmer Activates State Emergency Operations Center as Heavy Rain and Flooding Impacts Southeast Michigan 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the lower peninsula, in Southeast Michigan. 

“Activating the State Emergency Operations Center ensures we can support communities in Southeast Michigan as they respond to the impacts of flooding,” said Governor Whitmer. “We will get first responders and emergency crews on the ground the resources they need to keep people safe. Safety is our top priority, and we will get through this together.”  

The SEOC was activated at 5 p.m., according to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD). SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials as well as private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. MSP/EMHSD district coordinators are on the scene with local emergency management officials. 

Heavy rain today flooded many streets and highways. Efforts are underway to pump water from freeways that remain closed through the evening commute. Hundreds of homeowners have reported water in basements. According to The National Weather Service, more rain and downpours are possible across the region this evening.  

The SEOC is the Emergency Operations Center for the State of Michigan located in Lansing and is overseen by the MSP/EMHSD. The SEOC coordinates the response and recovery efforts of state agencies and local governments.   

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS 

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Lauren Thompson-Phillips, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, 517-216-0103