Michigan governor declares state of emergency in response to "extraordinary flooding" By Tori B. Powell June 26, 2021 / 7:54 PM / CBS News Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday declared a state of emergency in response to heavy rainfall in the state that has resulted in power outages, flooding, and sewer backups. "We are continuing to work closely with emergency response coordinators and local leaders across the state to address widespread flooding," Whitmer said in a statement. "The State Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our state's response as we rush resources to affected areas, and the state of emergency declaration will help counties access even greater assistance."