(WWJ) – A Flood Watch has been issued for most of Southeast Michigan as heavy rain and possible thunderstorms make their way across Metro Detroit Monday evening and continue into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service issued the Watch until 4 p.m. Tuesday, saying flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Genesee, Livingston and Shiawassee Counties.
The NWS says excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, including roads.
"Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," NWS officials said.
NWS forecasters are calling for rainfall amounts of 1.5-2.5 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 3 inches for "areas that experience repeated rounds of heavy rainfall."
AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Thompson said Metro Detroiters could expect to "get through a lot of the evening commute with either dry weather or at least some lighter showers."
"But as the evening goes on as we get past the commute, I think that's when we'll see the rain pick up in intensity. Some of the rain could be heavy," Thompson said.
And rain indeed began by 8 p.m. Monday. Forecasters said it was expected to come in multiple rounds.
Thompson says thunderstorms are also possible overnight, while the NWS says they will wind down by midday Tuesday.
"The heaviest forecast rainfall totals have consolidated into an area along and south of I-69 and especially between the M-59 to I-94 corridors," the NWS said, noting flood potential will be "greatest within urban areas where runoff is maximized by the considerable pavement."
As of 9 p.m., there were multiple crashes reported across Metro Detroit roadways.
"Just be aware and give yourself adequate time when you're making your travel tonight," WWJ Traffic reporter Jim Hughes said.
Stay tuned to WWJ for the latest traffic and weather updates every 10 minutes on the :08s.
More on today's top stories:
