Rain, Melting Snow, Ice Jams Cause Flooding Along River Raisin
MONROE (WWJ/AP) - Rain, melting snow and ice jams are causing flooding along the River Raisin in Monroe and now, the U.S. Coast Guard is getting involved.
Reporting live from Monroe County Thursday morning, WWJ's Ron Dewey said the current level of river is above its official "flood stage" at 9-feet. Streets around the river banks are already under water and residents fear the river level could rise even higher -- perhaps 10 to 11 feet.
A Coast Guard Cutter, requested by the city, is expected to arrive later Thursday to break up an ice dam. Officials say clearing the ice will help water from the River Raisin flow into Lake Erie and return to normal levels.
Until then, people are being asked to stay off the river and avoid the area.
Officials earlier warned about potential flooding in the area. Patrick Lewis, Monroe's director of engineering and utilities, told the Monroe News the cold winter has left the ground more frozen than usual. He said it could take weeks before the ground can better absorb water.
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