EXECUTIVE ORDER No 2026-7 Declaration of State of Emergency
Key claim: Michigan Governor declared a statewide emergency for 34 counties experiencing flooding, road damage, and dam threats caused by prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, and severe storms beginning April 12, 2026.
Abstract
EXECUTIVE ORDER No 2026-7 Declaration of State of Emergency News State Orders and Directives April 15, 2026 Beginning on April 12, 2026, many counties throughout the state—including Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Wexford counties—have experienced prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, straight-line winds, or tornadoes causing widespread flooding, elevated river levels, and damaged roads, homes, and property. Last Friday 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. Yesterday evening I declared an energy emergency statewide in EO 2026-6 following a weather-related supply disruption at the U.S. Energy Cheboygan petroleum terminal. But the threat has widened. Flooded, impassible roads have made rescue and evacuation operations difficult, and other dams, such as the Mio Dam in Oscoda County, are under a high-flow warning. This severe weather poses a significant threat of widespread injury and displacement of residents in these counties. Local officials in these counties 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 the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.403(4), “[t]he governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if he or she finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists.” Therefore, acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, including the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 3
Why this matters
Michigan Governor declared a statewide emergency for 34 counties experiencing flooding, road damage, and dam threats caused by prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, and severe storms beginning April 12, 2026.