News photo by Kayla Wikaryasz A portion of Maple Lane is seen flooded due to snow melt and rain.

ALPENA – Above average precipitation, coupled with melting snow have contributed to recent flooding issues in Alpena County, causing the closure of some roads and spurred a water rescue in Long Rapids Township.

Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith explained the situation on why a water rescue was necessary on Saturday and whether the Sheriff’s office has had an increase in calls pertaining to flooding.

“We were on standby to help the fire department on Saturday in Long Rapids, we did rescue one elderly female,” Smith said. “The water is certainly higher than it’s been in recent years, but not too many phone calls pertaining to flooding so far.”

Alpena County Emergency Manager, Nic Modrzynski, discussed the rescue and added some additional context.

“I received a call on Saturday because there was an elderly lady that had to get taken out of her home on Circle Drive,” Modrzynski said. “I was in contact with the Long Rapids Fire Department, as well as Maple Ridge, and informed them if any residents are in need of shelter, arrangements can be made and shelter provided.”

Emergency response personnel in the area will continue to monitor the dams and any flood concerns that arise in the coming days.

“The water is flowing, there are some spots that are going to flood; however, the dams are doing what they are supposed to,” Modrzynski explained. “It is not to the point where the water is going over the dams, or the dams can’t contain it.”

“There are some usual spots that are flooding, Circle Drive being an example, anytime the river goes up, it goes across the road. The road commission is aware of those spots, and they are monitoring any situations that come up because of flooding.”

Alpena County Road Commission Managing Director, Ryan Brege, said some minor flooding issues have been brought to his attention.

“We do have some roads that were washed over from the flooding, and we are working on getting those patched up,” Brege said. “Some culverts washed out as well and those will be worked on throughout the week.”

“The majority of the flooding was in the northwest corner of the county,” Brege added.

Brege said any flooding concerns, in any specific area, are monitored closely before any decision is made to close roads in the affected area.

“We keep a close eye on areas when water runs over the road, we put out signs and monitor those areas,” Brege explained. “If they become rough enough to a point where they are going to become impassable then we will close that road to traffic.”

Some local roads were closed over the weekend as a result of rising water levels, particularly around rivers.

“We did have to close a couple roads over the weekend; we are working on getting those opened,” Brege said. “Anderson road is one of the roads that had to be closed, along with a couple others.”

Closer to Alpena, areas that are prone to localized flooding saw water consume their streets, yards, and basements.

The areas include Colorado Drive, off of Hobb’s Drive, the neighborhoods off of Golf Course Road, and many properties that are on the edge of local lakes, rivers, and streams.

The threat of flood could remain for a spell, as there is still significant snow on the ground in some areas of Alpena County. There is also more rain in the forecast for Friday, Sunday, and the first part of next week.