Grand Rapids, Mich. – A wave of heavy showers and thunderstorms drenched Lower Michigan on Tuesday, with Battle Creek setting a new daily rainfall record of 3.73 inches at its airport. Persistent downpours also brought more than 3 inches to other parts of the city and over 2 inches to Hastings, Kent City, and areas south of Battle Creek.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, rainfall totals topped 2 inches in several locations, including Kalamazoo, Alma, and portions of Ottawa County. The heaviest precipitation fell during the afternoon and evening hours, creating ponding on roads and slowing traffic on I-94 and M-37.
Emergency management officials advise drivers to use caution when traveling through low-lying intersections and rural roads where water may still be pooling. Residents are encouraged to clear storm drains to prevent localized flooding and to monitor basement sump pumps after the prolonged rain.
Showers are expected to taper off by late Wednesday, though additional isolated downpours remain possible. Weather officials say saturated ground conditions could heighten the risk of minor flooding if another system moves through later this week.
