City of Traverse City Flooding Impacts
Closures, Safety Measures, Damage Reporting
Updated April 16, 2026
Residents should be aware that impacts due to heavy rainfall are being experienced across the City of Traverse City. On April 14, 2026, Grand Traverse County declared a local state of emergency due to flooding. A state of emergency was declared by the Governor for Grand Traverse County on April 15, 2026.
Grand Traverse County Digital Resource Center
Grand Traverse County has launched a digital resource center to provide centralized updates, safety information, and recovery resources related to the flooding emergency. The site includes real-time alerts, safety guidance, evacuation information, and contacts for assistance, helping residents stay informed as conditions evolve. It also outlines next steps for recovery and what residents should know when returning to impacted areas.
Self-Reported Damage Assessment
Grand Traverse County's Equalization and GIS logistic team is responsible for assessing all flooding impacts to private and public properties throughout the county. Taking a moment to fill out this self reporting survey will help them gain an understanding of the extent of damages in your specific area.
Street Closures Due to Flooding in the City of Traverse City
Although water has receded from many streets within the City, several roads throughout Grand Traverse County remain closed. Conditions may continue to change as cleanup and assessment efforts progress.
Visit our closure map for the latest updates
Boardman/Ottaway in the City of Traverse City
- The Boardman/Ottaway has impacted several areas in Downtown Traverse City and Hannah Park.
- Portions of Lot K, in the alley south of State Street, remain closed due to erosion near the FishPass project.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area
The Grasshopper Creek pedestrian bridge is closed at this time. Please proceed with extreme caution on any trails.
Safety Measures
With additional heavy rainfall expected, flooding impacts may increase—please remain alert and take precautions.
- Do not attempt to drive through standing water—just a few inches can stall a vehicle or carry it away.
- Turn around, don’t drown—avoid flooded roadways and seek alternate routes.
- Stay away from rivers, streams, and storm drains, where water levels and flow can change quickly.
- Never walk through moving water—currents can be stronger than they appear.
- Be cautious at night, as flood hazards are harder to see.
- Follow all posted road closures and barricades—they are in place for your safety.
- Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips during peak rainfall.
- Monitor local alerts and weather updates for changing conditions.
- If you encounter flooded areas or hazards, report them to local authorities when safe to do so.
- In the event of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Storm Damage Reporting
Due to the recent storm and the declared local state of emergency, the City is assisting Grand Traverse County with damage assessments required for the Governor’s emergency declaration.
City property owners who have experienced storm-related damage are asked to report information to help support this effort. Collecting this data is critical to determining eligibility for potential State and Federal funding for repairs.
If your property has sustained damage in the City of Traverse City, please contact the City Assessor’s Office:
- Email: tcassessor@traversecitymi.gov
- Phone: (231) 922-4450
When reporting, please include:
- Your name and phone number
- The address where the damage occurred
- Photos of the damage, if available (both interior and exterior)
Your assistance will help streamline the damage assessment process and ensure the community is positioned for potential recovery resources.
Report an Issue: High Water in the City of Traverse City
The City is currently experiencing widespread high-water issues, with additional rainfall expected to exacerbate conditions. To help crews respond as efficiently as possible, a digital reporting form is available for the public to submit concerns at the following link.
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Residents may also report issues by calling the Streets Department, Chris Weber (231) 922-4900 ext. 112 or Jeff Komisarz (231) 922-4900 ext. 119.