Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely. Residents and those with interests near the river should monitor rising water levels and be prepared for possible flood warnings. If you are in the watch area, remain alert to possible flooding. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued when the next forecast is received.

The Flood Watch is extended for the following rivers in Michigan... Rifle River near Sterling affecting Arenac County. .Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. For the Rifle River...including Sterling...flooding is possible. ...FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING TO LATE MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Rifle River near Sterling. * WHEN...From Saturday evening to late Monday morning. * IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, High water begins to impact canoe livery at River View Campground. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 AM EDT Friday the stage was 2.8 feet. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached late tomorrow evening. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && Fld Observed Forecasts (8 am EDT) Location Stg Stg Day/Time Sat Sun Mon Rifle River Sterling 6.0 2.8 Fri 9 am EDT 4.4 6.8 5.5 &&