Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is anticipating warmer temps next week, and Spring Fever will likely set in as the remaining snow melts. With already high water levels in the area, residents of waterfront communities should begin preparing now for spring rain and potential flooding.
The City of Port Huron has begun distributing mailers to property owners in flood prone areas, and they are working on plans for sandbag distribution and sandbag filling stations. They hope to have these established the week of March 8th.
Mark White, Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said, “We’ve been following the St. Clair River ice jam since it started back in the beginning of February and the impact on homes along the river especially in East China Township, a few homes in Cottrellville, Marine City, and Algonac.”
White noted that property owners along the St. Clair River most heavily impacted are those who are at a lower elevation than other surrounding properties. Individual homes may have mitigation efforts in place, but it really takes a collaborative effort from neighbors and adjoining properties to minimize the negative effects.
White expressed concern for many families, especially those in the Pointe Drive area of East China Township who have been repeatedly affected by flooding. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management established a self-reporting damage assessment tool for residents which enables them to submit damage reports and photos. “If you have damage, log into this tool. It provides a lot of data for us and gives us an idea of what kind of damage has been done,” said White.
Report St. Clair County flood damage <HERE>.
Keep up with the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management <HERE>.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
