Michigan’s Worst Floods: The Deadliest and Costliest in History

As Central Texas grapples with a catastrophic flood—claiming nearly 90 lives and leaving many more missing—Michiganders are reminded that while we may not face hurricanes, extreme weather is no stranger to our state.

A Catastrophic Flood in Texas Sparks Reflection in Michigan

The fast-moving Texas floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River, rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes in the dead of night. For campers and residents, the window to act was almost nonexistent. Rescue efforts are quickly turning into recovery operations.

READ MORE: Detroit Flood Strands Motorists

Here in Michigan, we don't face hurricanes, but we do face torrential downpours, flash floods, and massive snowmelts that can quickly overwhelm our infrastructure. And while we’ve never seen a flood as deadly as the current Texas tragedy, Michigan has experienced its share of devastation.

Here’s a look back at the worst floods in Michigan’s recorded history:

1904 – Grand River Flood

Late March snowmelt combined with heavy rains caused the Grand River to crest well above record levels. Cities like Kalamazoo, Lansing, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids were inundated. In Grand Rapids alone, over 2,500 homes were submerged. One person was confirmed dead.

1975 – Lansing Flood

A thick snowpack, warm temperatures, and more than 5 inches of rain caused the Grand River to spill over its banks. The flood claimed 3 lives, submerged thousands of homes, and caused an estimated $75 million in damage (in 1975 dollars).

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1986 – Central Michigan Flood (Deadliest in State History)

This remains Michigan’s most devastating flood. In September of 1986, up to 14 inches of rain fell in just two days, causing 11 dams to fail. The floodwaters destroyed over 30,000 homes, shut down more than 3,600 roads, and caused $500 million in damage. Six people were confirmed dead and nearly 90 more were injured.

2014 – Metro Detroit “500-Year Flood”

In August 2014, Metro Detroit was slammed by more than 6 inches of rain in under 24 hours. Freeways became rivers, over 100,000 homes were flooded, and damage was estimated at more than $1.8 billion. Remarkably, no confirmed deaths were reported.

2020 – Edenville Dam Collapse

In May 2020, more than 20 inches of rain overwhelmed the Edenville Dam, causing it to fail. Wixom Lake emptied into surrounding areas, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents. The disaster caused an estimated $200 million in damage, though—fortunately—no lives were lost.

While these events vary in size and severity, they highlight a sobering reality: extreme weather doesn’t discriminate by geography. As climate patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, understanding the history of flooding in Michigan is more important than ever.