Officials said they expect the river levels to fluctuate after they were able to get a turbine at the Cheboygan Lock reactivated.

The northern Michigan flood emergency exposed how much a public system depended on a privately-owned powerhouse tied-up in repairs, litigation and federal extensions.

As work to get the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex hydroelectric plant up and running continues, a team of up to 70 workers pitched in to shore up an upstream dam, according to a Michigan State Police (MSP) press release on Thursday.

Residents were told earlier this week to prepare a "go-bag" in case they were ordered to evacuate.

Aerial footage captured Tuesday shows homes surrounded by floodwaters and crews actively monitoring the Cheboygan Lock and Dam as officials prepare evacuation plans for the area.

After days of crews working around the clock to manage high water and flooding in Cheboygan, water levels finally began dropping on Friday near the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Michigan State

Cheboygan County emergency crews are warning people in the Black Lake, Black River and Alverno areas to begin preparing for rising water levels Thursday.

The facility took in five dogs, 12 cats, five chickens and two ducks from local evacuees.