dailyloe.com – The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of southeast Michigan starting Tuesday evening. The watch begins at 8 p.m. on April 14 and lasts through late night on April 16. Up to four inches of rain is possible in metro Detroit, with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected.
An enhanced risk for severe weather exists south of Interstate 69 tonight. This is the third-highest out of five risk levels. The threat includes large hail, damaging wind, and isolated tornadoes. The Detroit/Pontiac NWS office issued this flood watch update at 3:13 p.m.
The Great Lakes Water Authority is urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant. Navid Mehram, the chief operating officer of wastewater operating services, issued a news release Tuesday afternoon. He advised removing valuable items from basements in low-lying locations.
“The predicted rainfall is within the design capacity of the regional system,” Mehram said. He stated the system is fully dewatered and prepared for wet weather. GLWA is closely monitoring conditions ahead of the large storm event. The wastewater conveyance system has been fully reviewed for operational readiness.
The flood watch lists numerous cities across the region. These include Adrian, Ann Arbor, Bad Axe, Bay City, and Caro. Also listed are Detroit, Flint, Howell, Lapeer, and Midland. Monroe, Owosso, Pontiac, Port Huron, Saginaw, Sandusky, and Warren are included. The watch was issued by the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office at 9:41 a.m.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams. Other low-lying and flood-prone locations are also at risk. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks according to the watch. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, with low-water crossings potentially flooded.
The rain is not just expected in metro Detroit. Flood watches have been issued around the state. Some warnings have also been issued in Michigan. The weather agency provided this information in its forecast.
On Wednesday, more storms could sweep through the area. The agency said there is an isolated risk of severe weather. This could include hail and 60 mph wind gusts. Temperatures will remain summer-like with a high of 75 degrees and a low of 61 forecast.[]
Source: Detroit Free Press
