Flash flooding in Michigan tears up roads, causes 'historic' damage

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Sunday, June 17, 2018
Roads torn up, washed out in 'historic' Mich. flash flooding
More than 60 sinkholes were reported in and around Houghton County, Michigan, as flooding intensified, according to local media reports.

HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Slow-moving storms have drenched parts of northern Michigan, causing devastating flash flooding that has crippled the area.

Rainfall washed out many roads in the area, and eyewitness video showed torrents of rainwater rushing down mangled pavement. More than 60 sinkholes were reported as the flooding intensified, according to local media reports.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for portions of Houghton County early Sunday, warning residents not to travel in the area unless they were under an evacuation order or fleeing flooding.

Describing the damage thus far as historic, the National Weather Service warned that another band of heavy rain was expected to impact the region on Sunday evening.

There were not immediately any reports of injuries.