Photo courtesy of the Delta County Airport This photo depicts the Delta County Airport's runways with the current flooding that has ceased air traffic.

ESCANABA — Travelers who booked flights through the Delta County Airport, in Escanaba, have been forced to make other arrangements due to recent flooding. As of Wednesday, runways at the Delta County Airport were closed to air traffic after experiencing what Airport Manager Ashleigh Young considers an “unprecedented combination of rapid snowmelt” from the recent blizzard along with recent heavy rainfall.

“We are currently managing significant water accumulation on the airfield,” said Young. “For the safety of all commercial, cargo and general aviation operations, our runways are currently closed to air traffic.”

While Young couldn’t provide a definitive reopening time due to snowmelt and potential rainfall, she and airport staff will continue to monitor drainage closely and will begin clearing any remaining debris as soon as the water levels allow.

As of late Tuesday, passengers were encouraged to check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date information regarding cancellations or rebooking.

Additionally, the airport recommends travelers make alternative arrangements for travel through at least the next day. Young said in some areas of the airport’s runways, water levels range from a few inches to approximately one foot.

“While our drainage system is designed to handle standard precipitation, the sheer volume of runoff from the record-breaking snowfall has exceeded the system’s capacity,” Young said.

Long-term staff and tenants reported the current flooding consists of the highest water levels seen on the field in recent memory.

Young and airport staff will continue to monitor drainage closely and begin clearing any remaining debris as soon as the water levels allow.

“We understand the frustration this causes, but safety remains our absolute priority,” Young said. “We will continue to provide updates to the community as conditions evolve and we can safely resume operations.”