Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested President Biden to declare a major disaster for five Upper Peninsula counties severely impacted by spring flooding. The flooding, a result of record snowmelt coupled with rainfall between April 10 and May 14, overwhelmed infrastructure across Baraga, Gogebic, Iron, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties. The deluge led to burst dams, failing culverts and embankments, and widespread damage to storm water and sewer systems. The flooding also impacted critical infrastructure, including drinking water systems, roads, and bridges.

A joint preliminary damage assessment by state, federal, and local officials estimated over $56 million in immediate response costs and damages to public facilities and infrastructure. If President Biden approves Governor Whitmer's request, following a review and recommendation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), federal aid will be released to support the recovery efforts in the affected counties.