LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Gogebic and Houghton counties after rapidly warming temperatures caused flooding.

According to a press release from Gov. Whitmer’s office, the U.P. experienced severe flash flooding incidents earlier this week in those two counties. The flooding caused serious damage including overwhelmed sewer and storm water systems, burst earthen dams, culvert and embankment failures, and road washouts and closures caused by the accelerated thaw.

MORE NEWS: Email Scam Circulates in Lowell

The declaration of a local state of emergency activates local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation and state assistance is required to protect the health, safety and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis.

The declaration provides that the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will coordinate state efforts.