Flood Watches in Berrien County

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is working with area first responders, transportation officials, public health officials and local municipal leaders to address the widespread flooding in Berrien County.

The following are terms you should be aware of when preparing for a possible flood situation:

FLOOD WATCH:                Flooding is possible in your area

FLASH FLOOD:                  Rapid flooding, usually in low lying areas.  Water floods with great force.

FLASS FLOOD WATCH:      Flash flooding is possible in your area

FLOOD WARNING:            Flooding is occurring or will occur in your area.  Move to higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation orders

FLASH FLOOD WARNING: A flash flood is occurring.  Seek higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation orders.    

In preparing for a flood please make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit available that contains a 72 hour supply of water, medications and essential items in case you are required to leave your home.

Many low lying roads throughout Berrien County are now currently underwater, washed away or are generally impassable.  The Berrien County Road Department is working diligently to get these roads identified and place barricades where needed.  Below is a link to the map that is provided by the Berrien County Road Department on their website.

http://bcroad.org/maps/Berrien%20County%20Water%20over%20road%20map.pdf

Motorists are reminded to not attempt to drive through a flooded road.  The depth of the water is not always clear and the road surface below the water can be compromised which may not be visible.  Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are in place for your protection and safety.  Turn around and find an alternative route to your destination.  Be especially cautious when driving in the dark as it is harder to identify and recognize water over the roadway.

Floods can be both damaging and life-threatening.  While flooding is most prevalent near low-lying areas and bodies of waters such as rivers and streams, it can occur almost anywhere. 

For more information about what to do before, during and after flooding, go to www.michigan.gov/miready.

To report damage caused by flooding or a disaster you can go to:

http://www.bcsheriff.org/FormCenter/Emergency-Management-14/Report-Disa…

This form is not used to report an emergency or request emergency assistance.  You need to call 911 for an emergency.