In September 1986, when record-setting rainstorms flooded much of Michigan, Michael Robb was just beginning his career as a photographer at The Saginaw News. Recently, MLive ran a story and photos highlighting the 30th anniversary of the flood and announcing a Bay County MSU Extension project to document the event.

According to MLive, the Great Flood of 1986 stretched across 30 Michigan counties and caused more than $500 million in damages – $1.1 billion in today’s dollars. The MSU Extension project seeks to document memories of the flood and provide educational material for future preparedness.

To see a gallery of historic photos, including some that Michael shot, click here.