Weather

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

Federal officials have repeatedly told the owner of a nonfunctioning hydro plant connected to the dam to bring it back online, but the company has not done so. Now, state officials are scrambling to restart the plant in hopes of staving off dam failure.

A spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Transportation said it's unclear when the road will be back up and running.

Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have stationed five pumps near the dam to try and divert water as more rain and melting snow are projected in the forecast.

Water is now 18 inches from reaching the top, according to the Michigan State Police. If they reach 12 inches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it will begin executing an emergency plan that will likely involved evacuations.

The DNR said it was "working with local officials to manage the situation." In addition, they say plans are in place if high water conditions continue.

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service said the Saginaw River will fall below its flood stage Wednesday at the earliest as roads close across the region due to flooding.

It's been a year since the devastating ice storm. Poles and wires have since been replaced, but some residents wonder whether it makes more sense to bury them out of the reach of increasingly damaging snow, wind and ice.

A key Doppler radar in Grand Rapids was down Monday afternoon as storms were expected overnight and severe weather chances increased Tuesday across parts of Michigan.

The National Weather Service reports that some areas of the Upper Peninsula received up 4 feet of snow.