Flood Watch/Warning In Effect
DETROIT (WWJ) - A flood warning was issued Thursday for Wayne and Macomb Counties, as a flood watch remains in effect for all of southeast Michigan through Friday.
Warnings are also posted for the Rouge River in Detroit, the Clinton River in Sterling Heights. The rivers are expected to reach flood stage by Friday morning.
Forecasters say in all cases minor flooding is expected.
Steady rain means steady business for plumbers.
"When we get a few inches or rain, heavy amount at one time, it really taxes the plumbing system in your home," said Matt O'Rourke, Vice President of Plumbing Professors in metro Detroit.
O"Rourke told WWJ's Chrystal Knight there are certain warning signs every homeowner should know about.
"Take a long down in the basement periodically throughout the day," O'Rourke said. "If you hear gurgling in your fixtures or your faucets, toilets, sinks -- that's a sign that something's going on and it's time to take action."
Stacey Blue of Lincoln Park had to rush home Thursday to rescue items she had stored in her basement.
Blue said she noticed the water backing-up from one drain at around 6 a.m.; eventually all three floor drains had backed-up.
"By the time I took all this stuff up here -- it took me about two-and-half-hours to get everything -- the water had taken over pretty much the entire basement," she said.
Blue spoke with a water department worker who said he believes her older home's sewer system is not emptying completely into the city sewer.
WWJ Legal Analyst Charlie Langton warns that most home insurance plans do not cover flooding -- unless you pay extra for a special rider or specific flood coverage.
So, can you sue the city for failing to get the water off the street? Langton says he wouldn't recommend it.
"They have immunity. They have to do the best they can, but, generally speaking, the city is not responsible," Langton said. "You can't sue the city unless you can prove that the city intentionally flood your house. Good luck with that."
On top of the rain we've already seen over the past two days, Accuweather Meteorologist Dean DeVore says metro Detroit will get at least another inch of rain Thursday afternoon through Friday -- in addition to possible thunderstorms.
Davore said a slight dry out is expected this weekend. (Check the latest forecast here).
For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent traffic incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.
Sign up for severe weather text alerts: Text STORM to 95001
For daily weather forecast text alerts: Text FORECAST to 95001
