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Hesperia Dam Faces Possible Failure as Flooding Hits Western Michigan, Officials Warn
Emergency crews removed stop logs to lower river levels as officials warned the dam could breach and 15 agencies joined the response.
- Areas along the White River south of the Hesperia Dam remained under a Flash Flood Watch on Thursday as water rushed through the structure, with the watch set to expire Thursday morning.
- Since Monday, west-central Michigan has faced severe storms and widespread flooding. Water levels rose significantly, impacting embankments and a walking trail near the Hesperia Dam.
- Emergency crews proactively removed boards to open spillways and lower water levels. Village President Mike Farber noted, "we could have breached the dam" without this action; neighbors like 15-year-old baseball player Landyn Thompson helped fill sandbags.
- The National Weather Service warned the dam could potentially fail. Resident Sam Gillett said, "This thing breaks, then I'm 10 feet underwater where I live," as officials advised residents south of the structure to prepare for evacuation.
- Officials monitored water levels Wednesday night as more rain was expected. Hesperia Sports Shop owner Meagan Guptill said she hopes the river will "come down quite a bit" in the next week.
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Neighbors prepare for potential flooding along White River near Hesperia Dam
Areas along the White River south of the Hesperia Dam are under a Flash Flood Watch, prompting emergency preparations across the Village of Hesperia.On Wednesday, high water levels were flowing over the dam's spillway, and there were concerns water could go over the dam itself. At last check, the Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect until Thursday morning. WATCH: Wednesday's flooding preparations in the Village of Hesperia Neighbors prepare f…
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