CENTRAL LAKE, MICHIGAN — A Flood Advisory is in effect for portions of Antrim and Charlevoix counties until 12:30 PM EDT Monday, after repeated rounds of thunderstorms dumped 2 to 3 inches of rain over the same stretch of land in a matter of hours.
The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, currently affects an estimated 1,345 people. Central Lake and Eastport have been identified as the primary cities at risk, with the warning area also extending across Ellsworth and East Jordan.
Why the Flooding Is Happening
Forecasters say the issue is a weather pattern known as “training,” where one storm after another moves over the exact same area instead of spreading out. Each round adds more rain before the ground or drainage systems have a chance to recover, so even moderate individual storms can add up to a serious flood risk.
That is exactly what happened here. Radar estimates show 2 to 3 inches of rain falling across the Ellsworth, Central Lake, and East Jordan corridor, enough to saturate local drainage and trigger minor flooding across the advisory zone.
What It Looks Like Right Now
Weather radar over the area has been showing deep red and purple returns, a sign of intense, continuous rainfall hitting ground that is already soaked and struggling to absorb more water.
What Residents Are Being Told to Do
Officials are urging anyone in the advisory area to stay alert, follow local guidance, and keep multiple ways to receive emergency alerts in case the advisory is upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning.
Drivers are being warned not to attempt crossing flooded roadways under any circumstances. Even water that looks shallow can sweep a vehicle off the road, and officials stress that turning around is always the safer choice.
The advisory remains in effect until 12:30 PM EDT, with conditions being monitored for possible changes.
