OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Mar. 12, 2026) – Last Friday’s storms may serve as a calling card to potential weather-related issues in the coming weeks.
While areas south and east of the Lakeshore were hit with tornadoes, heavy rains pounded this area, and another wave of storms that came through on Tuesday night, which brought hail and flash flooding to parts of the region, compounded matters. On Wednesday, a joint statement from Ottawa County’s Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush, Emergency Management Office, and Department of Public Health emphasizes the seriousness of dealing with high water.
Emergency Management Director Lou Hunt mentioned the impact on motoring, citing that just six inches of moving water can knock a person down or cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Other concerns include possible contaminants in water for contact and drinking, effects of well or septic system overflows, and ways to prevent flooding when heavy rain falls.
Here are some tips put forward by these Ottawa County departments/offices:
On the Roads
- Never drive through flooded roads.
- Floodwaters can move faster and be more dangerous than they appear. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down or cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Drivers should turn around and find another route whenever water covers the roadway.
Floodwater Contact
- Floodwater can contain sewage and other harmful substances.
- Wash your hands well after any contact with floodwater.
- Keep children away from flooded areas.
- If you must walk through floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles.
- Wash any exposed skin with soap and water as soon as you can.
- If you have a cut, wound, or rash, floodwater can cause it to become infected. Clean the wound right away and cover it with a clean bandage. Next, call your healthcare provider. You may need a tetanus shot, especially if you haven’t had one in the last five years.
Drinking Water
- Watch for advisories about whether your water is safe to drink and use.
If Your Well or Septic System was Covered by Flood Water
- If flood water fully covered either your well or septic system, stop using it until the water goes down.
- Once the water is gone, do not use your well until a registered well driller checks it, cleans it, and tests it to make sure it is safe.
- Most wells and septic systems are built to handle heavy rain and minor flooding. If you are not sure whether your system was affected, call a registered well driller to take a look.
Flooding Prevention
- Residents are also encouraged to check catch basins in their back yards and make sure leaves and debris are not covering them.
- Keeping drainage areas clear can help water move more freely and reduce localized flooding.
- Homeowners should also check their sump pump if it has not run in a while to make sure it is working properly before additional rain arrives.
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