Executive Order 2026-8: Declaration of State of Emergency
Key claim: Michigan Governor declared a state of emergency for Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta, and Muskegon counties and the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo due to widespread flooding, elevated river levels, and damaged infrastructure caused by prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, and severe storms beginning April 12, 2026.
Abstract
Executive Order 2026-8: Declaration of State of Emergency News State Orders and Directives April 17, 2026 Beginning on April 12, 2026, residents throughout the state—including those in the counties of Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta, and Muskegon, and in the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo—have experienced prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, straight-line winds, or tornadoes causing widespread flooding, elevated river levels, and damaged roads, homes, and property. As a result, impassible roads have made rescue and evacuation operations difficult in many regions and multiple rivers throughout the state have continued to experience rising water levels, threatening the condition of various dams. Additional rainfall is expected in the coming days, increasing the risk of flooding. This severe weather poses a significant threat of widespread injury and displacement of residents in these counties and cities. Multiple first responders and other personnel have been working around the clock to address these conditions statewide. On April 10th, I declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County in EO 2026-5 due to the threat of overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, where crews are working continuously to protect that community. On April 14th, I declared a statewide energy emergency in EO 2026-6 following a weather-related supply disruption at the U.S. Energy Cheboygan petroleum terminal. And on April 15th, I declared a state of emergency for 32 other counties throughout the state in EO 2026-7. Now, it is necessary to declare a further state of emergency for additional counties and cities to address and mitigate these ongoing conditions. Local officials in Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta, and Muskegon counties, and in the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo, have taken several actions to respond to the situation, such as issuing local emergency declarations, activating the response and recovery aspects of their emergency operations plans, and providing public information. Despite these efforts, local resources have proven insufficient. State assistance and other outside resources, including potential federal assistance, are necessary to respond to and recover from the impacts of this emergency, protect public health, safety, and property, and lessen or avert the threat of more severe and lasting harm. Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Under t
Why this matters
Michigan Governor declared a state of emergency for Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta, and Muskegon counties and the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo due to widespread flooding, elevated river levels, and damaged infrastructure caused by prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, and severe storms beginning April 12, 2026.