Severe thunderstorms slammed Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula on Monday, June 29, dropping several inches of rain in spots and unleashing flash flooding that chewed through culverts and shut down multiple state highways. Local crews and emergency managers hustled to barricade damaged stretches while drivers were pushed onto detours through the afternoon. The latest round of storms followed an unusually wet spring that had already left some roads and scenic routes on shaky ground this season.
Flash flood warnings and soaking spotter reports
The National Weather Service in Gaylord issued flash flood and flood warnings for parts of Leelanau, Cheboygan and Emmet counties as the storms marched through, with preliminary reports detailing heavy rainfall and water over roadways. Spotters and public reports logged several inches of rain in some communities, leaving low-water crossings inundated and at times impassable, according to the National Weather Service in Gaylord.
Highways shut as washouts spread
The storms caused what officials called “significant damage” to several state routes, triggering closures and detours across the region. State transportation crews flagged washouts and water-covered pavement that led to temporary shutdowns on M‑88 near Ellsworth and Farrell roads, M‑88 east of Eastport, M‑119 south of Good Hart and M‑66 south of East Jordan. Personnel are still assessing repairs and planning next steps, with no firm reopening timeline yet, according to MLive.
Why the Tunnel of Trees keeps getting hammered
Parts of M‑119 - the Tunnel of Trees between Harbor Springs and Good Hart - were already in trouble before this latest round of storms. Spring floods had triggered slope failures and culvert collapses that forced traffic onto detours, and repair work was still underway when Monday’s heavy rain arrived. As 9&10 News reported earlier this month, Michigan Department of Transportation communications specialist James Lake said, “it’s still too early to say whether we could make a repair on the northern section.”
What residents and drivers need to know
Officials are urging drivers to steer clear of flooded roads and to resist the temptation to try crossing high water. State and local crews are prioritizing safety as they fan out to inspect damaged stretches. Residents are advised to check local advisories and state traffic pages for the latest information on closures and detours.
