Hurricane Beryl aftermath: Michigan rainfall totals, flood damage

by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan)

Remnants of Hurricane Beryl were felt as far north as Michigan after the storm reached Texas. Much of the state experienced heavy rain, flooding and severe thunderstorms, the worst of it in southern Michigan.

The roof of Kositchek’s Menswear in downtown Lansing collapsed between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning due to heavy rain. Up to 5 inches of rain were recorded in Lansing.

The department store lost all of its inventory in the suit department due to the damage, a local news outlet reported.

The western part of the state also received heavy rain. Nearly 4 inches of rain were recorded in areas near Kalamazoo and Jackson, according to the NWS.

“We were out there all night keeping an eye on things, especially watching out for trees,” said Sarah Phillips, communications administrator for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. “We heard about that probably more than even the flooding. Well over 100 trees fell onto the road that we had to relocate.”

Severe flooding was also reported in west Michigan after a flood watch was issued for the region by the NWS.

A total of 2.4 inches of rain were recorded in southeast Michigan Wednesday night, according to the latest data from the National Weather Service.

The bottom floor of a parking structure at the University of Michigan’s medical school in Ann Arbor was flooded.

Insurance tips

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services provided the following tips for people affected by severe weather when filing insurance claims:

• Contact the insurance company and report a claim.
• Notify the insurance company of water damage. There may be additional coverage for water damage.
• Contact your auto insurance company for water damage to a vehicle.
• Document the damage to provide to the insurance company.

Many areas of Michigan experienced heavy rainfall and water damage to homes and vehicles as the remainder of Hurricane Beryl swept across the state,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox in a press statement. “If you were impacted by severe weather, carefully review your insurance policies and work with your agent or insurance companies to see what coverage is available.”

Residents can contact the department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 for further assistance filing insurance claims.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.