Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette Heavy rains early Wednesday morning caused flooding on several streets and roads throughout the area, including the intersection of Washington and Calverley in the City of Houghton.

HOUGHTON COUNTY — Heavy rains early Wednesday morning caused flooding and road washouts in several locations in Houghton County. Water over U.S. 41 near Chassell slowed motorists, while in one section, the highway was reduced to one-lane monitored by flagmen from the Michigan Dept. of Transportation. The rain ended around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, but returned again later in the afternoon.

Lily Chapman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, said rounds of rain moved through the region early Wednesday morning, with intense cells over Houghton County and northern Ontonagon County.

The NWS released a hazardous weather outlook at 5:13 a.m. Wed. for portions of central and western Upper Peninsula, predicting heavy rain, hail and high winds.

“There is a slight chance (at least 15%) of exceeding flash flood guidance and severe weather across most of Upper Michigan,” the outlook stated.

Chapman said several areas received totals in excess of three inches of rain in a very short period.

On Tuesday afternoon, another swath of rain was positioned over Lake Superior, which Chapman said had the potential for heavy downpours with it.

“As far as totals the rest of Wednesday through Thursday morning,” she said, “you can expect around another inch, and another round maybe early Thursday. The heaviest amounts are looking like Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. So the Keweenaw can expect an additional inch, but we can still be looking at totals in excess of an inch, as well.”

Wednesday’s storm damage was not the first to occur this season. On May 15, Baraga County experienced extensive flooding and washouts after the National Weather Service had issued a flood warning from 5:30 to 10 a.m. that morning. Heavy rains on May 15 resulted in several roads being closed, including Pequaming Road, whild Bay Shore Road was heavily damaged and the crossing at Secret Creek was completely wiped out. Temporary repairs made on East Falls River Drive, completed after flooding in 2023, were also washed out.

While there were no reports of washed out roads, or other damage as of press time Wednesday, there were several instances of excessive water on streets and roads.