Hurricane Beryl aftermath: Michigan rainfall totals, flood damage
- Michigan experienced several inches of rain Wednesday due to Hurricane Beryl
- Southeast Michigan was impacted the most where up to 5 inches of rain was recorded in some areas near Lansing
- Severe flooding was also reported in other parts of the state
Remnants of Hurricane Beryl were felt as far north as Michigan after the storm reached Texas. Much of the state experienced heavy rain, flooding and severe thunderstorms, the worst of it in southern Michigan.
The roof of Kositchek's Menswear in downtown Lansing collapsed between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning due to heavy rain. Up to 5 inches of rain were recorded in Lansing.
The department store lost all of its inventory in the suit department due to the damage, a local news outlet reported.
The western part of the state also received heavy rain. Nearly 4 inches of rain were recorded in areas near Kalamazoo and Jackson, according to the NWS.
Related: Hurricane Beryl could bring nasty weather, floods to Michigan this week
“We were out there all night keeping an eye on things, especially watching out for trees,” said Sarah Phillips, communications administrator for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. “We heard about that probably more than even the flooding. Well over 100 trees fell onto the road that we had to relocate.”
Severe flooding was also reported in west Michigan after a flood watch was issued for the region by the NWS.
Rain will develop tonight through Wednesday. Widespread two to four inch rainfall is likely along and south of I-96. Higher rainfall totals of 4 to 6+ inches also probable, especially along I-94 corridor. Excessive runoff may cause flooding in these areas. #wmiwx pic.twitter.com/atSDm6M3yL
— NWS Grand Rapids (@NWSGrandRapids) July 9, 2024
A total of 2.4 inches of rain were recorded in southeast Michigan Wednesday night, according to the latest data from the National Weather Service.
The bottom floor of a parking structure at the University of Michigan’s medical school in Ann Arbor was flooded.
Insurance tips
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services provided the following tips for people affected by severe weather when filing insurance claims:
- Contact the insurance company and report a claim.
- Notify the insurance company of water damage. There may be additional coverage for water damage.
- Contact your auto insurance company for water damage to a vehicle.
- Document the damage to provide to the insurance company.
Many areas of Michigan experienced heavy rainfall and water damage to homes and vehicles as the remainder of Hurricane Beryl swept across the state,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox in a press statement. “If you were impacted by severe weather, carefully review your insurance policies and work with your agent or insurance companies to see what coverage is available.”
Residents can contact the department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 for further assistance filing insurance claims.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
- See full coverage
- Subscribe
- Share tips and questions with Bridge environment reporter Kelly House
Michigan Environment Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:
Our generous Environment Watch underwriters encourage Bridge Michigan readers to also support civic journalism by becoming Bridge members. Please consider joining today.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!