Great Lakes Now

No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024 | Great Lakes Now

7 min read

No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024

By Julie Arbit, Brad Bottoms, and Branko Kerkez, University of Michigan

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

Flooding is one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the U.S., causing billions of dollars in damage each year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Agriculture Great Lakes Now

Agricultural runoff damages our water and kills wildlife. Could a simple drainage stopper be the solution?

11 min read

Agricultural runoff damages our water and kills wildlife. Could a simple drainage stopper be the solution?

The sight of the first snow on the horizon of Bill Wiley’s 500-acre farm in Shelby County, Ohio, is a welcome relief. The 2024 growing season has been incredibly dry.

“We are about eight inches behind regular precipitation for the year,” he said.

But Wiley, who farms corn, soybeans, wheat, pumpkins and gords, has installed two inline water control structures that control the flow of drainage water from two of his fields.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Great Lakes Now Lake Ontario Ontario

The past, present and future of a changing Lake Ontario | Great Lakes Now

12 min read

The past, present and future of a changing Lake Ontario

By Daniel Macfarlane

This story is an excerpt from Daniel Macfarlane’s book The Lives of Lake Ontario: An Environmental History.

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Great Lakes Now Lake Ontario Ontario

The past, present and future of a changing Lake Ontario

12 min read

The past, present and future of a changing Lake Ontario

By Daniel Macfarlane

This story is an excerpt from Daniel Macfarlane’s book The Lives of Lake Ontario: An Environmental History.

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

London Free Press

Storm fallout: Flooding basements, damaged roofs, more cold ahead

6 min read

Snowbanks left by storms that blanketed the London region, combined with this week’s rising temperatures, are resulting in a big melt that’s flooding basements and damaging roofs across the city, London property restoration companies say. LFP reporter Beatriz Baleeiro digs into the details. WHAT DOES THE DAMAGE? Cracks in foundations, pump failures, and ice damming […]

London Free Press

Officials preach caution near rivers, creeks as heavy snowfall melts

2 min read

Area conservation authorities are warning the public to be cautious around slippery riverbanks as a blast of above-zero weather melts snow dumped on the London region last week.   Environment Canada was calling for a high of 3 C and rain on Monday, followed by above-freezing temperatures through Wednesday before cooling off later in the week.  […]

Interlochen Public Radio

Taking care

1 min read

Michigan is the Great Lakes state as you know. So naturally we have a lot of wetlands as well. They filter water, and mitigate flooding. But human activity, including large-scale farming, has greatly reduced them over the years. What might Congress do about that? Also, efforts here in northern Michigan to support first responders dealing with their own mental health. And a trip to an artist residency in Elberta. One of the stories in this episode references suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in crisis call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988First responders can also contact the Front Line Strong line: 1-833-34-STRONG or 1-833-347-8766.