Flash flooding washes out, closes roads around Baraga, L’Anse

L’ANSE, Mich. (WLUC) - Flash flooding was reported in the L’Anse and Baraga area Thursday morning after thunderstorms produced heavy rain.

Flash flood warnings were issued for the area until 10:00 a.m. and then a flash flood advisory was in effect until 2:15 p.m. The area received about 4 inches of rain.

“When I opened the interior door that goes down into the garage, it was about 6 inches of water and the floor drain had a whirlpool.”

Keweenaw Bay resident Kurtis St. Clair is dealing with everything from a washed-out driveway to a water-damaged garage. Travelers along US-41 this morning faced half of the road flooded alongside foggy conditions.

The Fire Chief of the Keweenaw Bay Fire Department Garrick Lamb says this kind of damage has been unprecedented.

“I was responding to the call. There was lots of water over the road debris in places that never normally have water like that. As we arrived to our first call, there was lots of water coming down the road with some debris and all of a sudden then the road gave away,” Lamb said.

St. Clair’s situation is a special case, as he is currently in recovery.

“I got a broken foot, I’m in a cast and on crutches. Basically, I’m a cripple right now. The weather’s going to do whatever it does. I’m incapable of providing any preventive measures on my own,” St. Clair said.

The Village of L’Anse reports its wastewater treatment plant is experiencing high flows and sanitary sewer overflows. Avoid the area near the plant, flood waters and beaches until further notice.

Baraga County Road Commission Engineer/Manager Doug Mills says his department will provide updates as it can. Mills says the Baraga County Emergency Manager has activated the county’s emergency operation center. A local state of emergency was declared.

Most of the reported damage has been to roads and driveways. Some homes - mainly basements - have flooded.

Flash flooding was also seen in small creeks and streams, urban areas, roadways and other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Submit photos and videos of flooding here. Submit your storm reports here.

Schools remained open Thursday. L’Anse Area Schools Superintendent Chris Davidson said bus routes have been impacted but school is still on as regularly scheduled.

Both Lamb and St. Clair hope for minimal amounts of rain for now so levels can decrease. Lamb said to be patient with responders and road crews going forward.

If you come across a flooded road, remember to turn around. Don’t drive through it. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Thursday morning’s flooding came ahead of a severe thunderstorm threat in the forecast for later in the day.