Flood Watches, Warnings Still In Effect For Parts Of Michigan
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Don't put the galoshes away just yet.
Flood watches and warnings remain effect for parts of Michigan's Lower Peninsula after heavy rain swamped southeastern Michigan — leading to freeway closures and cars submerged.
The National Weather Service says the Lower Rouge River exceeded flood stage and could rise more Friday if additional rain falls. A Flood Warning is in effect for the river in the Detroit suburbs of Dearborn and Inkster until 4 p.m. (More on that here).
A flood warning was discontinued for the Clinton River in Sterling Heights and Macomb County's Clinton Township after the water level retreated.
Meantime, an Areal Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for metro Detroit and beyond, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.
In Ingham County, a flood advisory was issued for Sycamore Creek.
On Thursday, relentless rain turned roads into deep canals, ruining daily commutes and threatening communities with floods. Forecasters say rain that started Thursday is expected to stretch into the weekend.
Highly vulnerable areas include highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.
Near Hamilton and the Lodge on Detroit's west side, some neighborhoods are still saturated.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reports the waters remained about 2 feet deep for about a quarter mile along Lawrence Street Friday morning, but people were still trying to drive through it.
Keisha Powell, who lives on Lawrence, said she's never seen a flood like this.
"It was pouring! I had to walk my daughter all the way down there to get her on the bus, and the sidewalks were flooded," Powell said. "My legs and my shoes? Oh my goodness; I had to take everything off."
Neighbors say they've called the city and the city has said it will do what it can to fix the problem.
Looking ahead: AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Bowers says although there was a lull Friday morning, the storm is sticking around. Rain showers are expected to continue off and on in metro Detroit through Sunday.
Skies will stay cloudy into Monday when we could perhaps see a peek of sunshine.
Know before you go: Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest forecast during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. See the live, local radar now at this link.
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