Michigan village employs dynamite to break up ice jams, prevent - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

With mild temperatures melting snow and ice, controlled explosions in Huron County, Michigan that took place Wednesday are an attempt to prevent flooding.

Village of Sebewaing, Michigan officials and residents hope dynamiting will break up river ice and move it away, preventing flooding and property damage.

Village leaders worked with the Department of Environmental Quality, The Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers, spending about three hours triggering dynamite charges today.

They say the ice is up to two feet thick in spots -- and they wanted to be proactive rather than wait for major flooding problems when it melts.

Originally they had planned to do this Thursday, but with the warmer forecast and the possibility of rain they decided Wednesday was the day.

The dynamite process is not new for the area - officials say it was used often in the 60's and 70's. But this is the first time in 13-years they've had to turn to explosives after a harsh winter.

People who live nearby say they are thankful for the quick action.

Tune in to WTOL 11 News at 5 for video of the explosions.

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