In late June, 1968, heavy rains swept through the region, causing the Huron River and other creeks and lakes to flood their banks inflicting massive damage to dams, roads, and personal property. The University Meteorology Laboratory recorded 5.28 inches of rain. Streets were impassable, bridges washed out, farm fields inundated, and nearly all neighborhoods affected, with water high enough to permit canoeing in Lansdowne subdivision south of Pioneer High School.
The Washtenaw County Health Department gave advice on coping with flood effects, including cleaning up home and disinfecting drinking water, though most insurance policies failed to cover flood damage which flooded hundreds of basements and backed up sewers throughout Washtenaw County.