UPDATED: Chocolay River water levels dropping after weekend flooding

UPDATE 10:15 a.m. Jan. 2:

The Chocolay Township Police Department has released an update on the flooding in the area of the Chocolay River.

The mouth of the Chocolay River was blocked by ice this past weekend. The blockage had cause minor flooding in the Bayou Road area, and Hotel Place.

As of Tuesday morning, the water appears to have found a passage out to the lake and is receding. Water levels had dropped 1.5-2 ft in the area.

At the time of posting, no property damage has been reported. If any residents in the affected area have sustained property damage, please contact Chocolay Township Department of Public Works Supervisor, Brad Johnson at 906-249-1448.

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UPDATE at 3:30 p.m. Sunday:

The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning for the mouth of the Chocolay River until 5:15 p.m. Monday.

At 3:18 p.m. Sunday, the NWS says Marquette County Central Dispatch reported that the ice jam continues to impact areas at the mouth of the Chocolay River in Chocolay Township.

Flooding will remain possible until the ice jam releases. Residents should monitor river levels and be prepared to take quick action if waters rise.

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ORIGINAL STORY at 7:15 a.m. Sunday:

A section of of Bayou Street in Chocolay Township is covered in icy water Sunday morning because of an ice jam at the mouth of the Chocolay River.

According to the Chocolay Township Fire Department, there are about eight homes on the flooded section of the road. As of 6:30 a.m. Sunday, some residents have evacuated, while others have stayed in their homes. No injuries have been reported, and utilities are still running in the area.

At 5:36 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the area. The NWS said river levels are rising at an estimated half inch per hour and additional flooding may occur along the Chocolay River plain between Lake Superior and M-28 until the ice jam breaks.

Residents should monitor river levels and be prepared to take quick action if waters rise. People are also reminded to turn around and don't drown when they encounter flooded roads.

Air temperatures hovered around zero degrees Sunday morning.

The Marquette County Sheriff's Office and Chocolay Township Fire Department responded to the scene Sunday morning. Marquette County Emergency Management is working on a solution to break the ice jam, fire officials say.

This story will be updated with the latest information.