04/15/2026
Alpena County Emergency Operations Press Release- Emergency Operations Update 1 P.M. April 15th 2026
For Immediate Release
April 15th 2026
Visit the Alpena County page for regular updates regarding safety, road conditions, resources and health/safety information in our community. Please take time to check on your friends, family and neighbors and contact 911 if you find someone that needs assistance. Resources will also be added at https://www.alpenaschools.com/page/emergency-resources
We continue to encourage individuals to stay away from flooded areas and to not drive through roads that are covered with water. Genschaw Road between Princeton and Long Rapids has collapsed. We fear that additional roads may do the same. Please avoid the nearby area which is heavily impacted by flooding. Passing over flooded roads may cause additional roads to give way.
Closed or partially closed roads Genschaw, Woodward, Princeton, Sunset, Partridge, Gilchrest, Ford, Wessel, Indian Reserve, Indian, North Pointe, Anderson, Salina, Maple Lane, Scott, Hubert
Caution water over road Bloom, North Pointe, Huron Beach, El Cajon, Otter Ln, Golf Course
Emergency Shelter contact Salvation Army 989 358 2769 ext 5 [email protected]
We hope citizens will continue to limit water use as much as possible. Both the watershed and the closed water utility systems are handling the volume of water that exists in our community but are at capacity.
Eagle Creek Renewable Energy reported dams in both Hillman and Alpena County were currently sound and not at risk.
Alpena Township issued a boil water for certain areas affected by flooding click here for detailed information https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbXWAcqx6LPPcqOsnogCRrUB99TIur18/view?usp=sharing
City of Alpena Released this information in two releases on 4 14 26
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bJikjI8f5vo_7elLN7dF5CzlWQn-Ay1H/view?usp=sharing
The Department of Health #4 released this safety information regarding flooding effects on well and septic systems
https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/public-assistance-grants-program/mid-michigan-flooding/news-releases/flooding-impacts-on-septic-systems-and-private-wells
and protecting your private water supply in an emergency
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/DWEHD/Water-Well-Construction/Protecting-Your-Private-Water-Supply-in-an-Emergency.pdf
Presque Isle Gas and Electric provided the following information
PIE&G
Flooding Safety Update – Natural Gas Service and Electric Service
Due to significant flooding across our service area, some of our natural gas mains are now exposed due to washed-out roads and culverts. This creates a higher risk of damage, and if a line is compromised, we may need to shut off gas service to affected areas for safety. Please stay at least 20 feet away from any exposed gas or underground electric lines and call 800-423-6634 to report them to our dispatchers.
We are also seeing rising water levels that may lead to evacuations in some locations.
If you are evacuating your home:
• Turn off gas at your appliances (if safe to do so)
• Do NOT turn off gas at the meter
If possible, turn off your main electrical breakers.
• Please call us at 1-800-423–6634 to report your location so we can track impacted homes
After flooding:
• Any submerged appliances must be inspected before use
• Meters that were underwater will need to be replaced before service is restored
Your safety is our top priority. Our crews are actively monitoring conditions and will continue to provide updates.
In case of a gas emergency, please call us at 1-800-655-8565
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provided the following information;
Many areas of the state are experiencing severe flooding as snow melt and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks. The National Weather Service forecasts more rain statewide through Wednesday, April 15, with some areas expected to get an additional three inches. This could exacerbate conditions in currently flooded areas, create new areas of flooding, and in some cases result in flash flooding.
Risks include exposure to contaminants in flood water, injury from floating debris, power outages, road washouts, damage and contamination to drinking water systems, and mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup. The Michigan State Police have established a website to share information and alerts around risks to the Cheboygan Dam and areas downstream https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/2026-cheboygan-dam.
Visit https://www.alpenaschools.com/page/emergency-resources
for more from Michigan DHHS