Grand Rapids, MI – Drivers across parts of western and south-central Michigan could encounter flooded streets and rapidly rising creeks after 8 p.m. Tuesday as multiple rounds of thunderstorms move through already saturated ground.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Flood Watch covers six counties—Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham and Jackson—from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 11 a.m. Wednesday. Forecasters say repeated storms may drop enough rain overnight to push streams out of their banks, especially where heavy rainfall fell during the past weekend.
Urban areas and low-lying roads could see the quickest impacts. Communities including Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson, Charlotte and South Haven may experience water pooling on streets, flooded underpasses and rapidly rising drainage ditches as thunderstorms redevelop overnight.
Runoff could also begin feeding area river systems by early Wednesday, raising the potential for minor river flooding later in the day. Officials warn that creeks and small streams can rise quickly during overnight storms when visibility is limited.
Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should keep phones charged, avoid parking vehicles in low spots and be prepared to move to higher ground if water begins rising. Drivers are urged not to cross water-covered roads.
Additional warnings may be issued overnight as thunderstorms track across the region through Wednesday morning.
