Flood warning issued for 35 Michigan counties as Beryl system arrives

Flood warnings are in place for dozens of Michigan counties as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl move into the Great Lakes region.

Many areas could see 5 to 10 centimeters of rain between Tuesday and Wednesday night. Those living in flood-prone areas should take appropriate precautions.

Here is a breakdown of flood warnings by region in Michigan:

From the National Weather Service in Detroit:

A flood warning is in effect for part of southeast Michigan, including the following areas: Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne, from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening.

Read more about Ashlee Baracy’s forecast from 4Warn Weather here: Remnants of the tropical system Beryl will initially bring the possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

If you’re heading to the Detroit Tigers game, make sure it’s not delayed or rescheduled.

From this evening/early Wednesday morning there will be more frequent and at times heavy rain.

Rain will continue through Wednesday and end early Thursday morning. Much of southeast Michigan is likely to see 1-3 inches of rain during this time. Some areas may receive higher amounts of 4 inches or more, which is why a flood warning has been issued.

This is a good reminder to check your sump pumps regularly on Wednesday as there will be a lot of rain in a short period of time. (More here)

From the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids:

The flood warning covers parts of central, south central and southwest Michigan, including the following central Michigan counties: Gratiot, Isabella and Montcalm.

In south central Michigan: Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia and Jackson.

In southwest Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa and Van Buren.

What to expect: Widespread rainfall of 2-4 inches is likely, with a range of 4-6+ inches somewhere in the observation area.

From the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana:

The flood warning covers parts of Southwest Michigan, including the following areas: Branch, Cass MI, Northern Berrien, Southern Berrien and St. Joseph.

What to expect: Excessive runoff can cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Streams and creeks may overflow their banks. Flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage and in urban areas. Low water crossings may be inundated.

How to prepare for floods, by Michigan Ready:

• Assemble an emergency kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.

• Scan and save important documents in a cloud-based online program.

• Place important documents and valuables in a waterproof container on the top floor of your home.

• Learn how to safely turn off the electricity and gas lines in your home.

• Make an inventory of your household items and take photos of the inside and outside of your home.

• Consider installing backflow preventers in your sewer system to prevent flood water from entering your home through the drainpipes.

• Double check sump pumps to make sure they are working properly. If possible, install a battery backup system.

• Have materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber on hand for emergency waterproofing.

• Find out how many metres your property is above and below the possible flood level. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if your property is at risk of flooding.

• Flood-proof heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems by raising them above flood-prone areas. Another method is to leave the equipment where it is and build a concrete or brick flood barrier around it.

• Anchor fuel tanks. Unanchored fuel tanks can easily be displaced by flooding.

Driving during floods:

• For most passenger cars, the water depth reaches the bottom, causing loss of control and possible stalling of the vehicle. For many vehicles, a water depth of 30 cm is sufficient to cause them to float.

• A two-foot column of water can sweep away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not always obvious.

• The road surface could become underwater and you could be stranded or trapped.

• Do not drive around a barrier. Barriers are there to protect you. Turn around and drive in the other direction.

• Do not attempt to take shortcuts – they may be closed. Stay on the designated routes.

• Be especially careful when driving at night, as the risk of flooding is harder to detect.

Conditions for flood warnings

Conditions:

• Flood warning: Flooding may occur in your area. Follow local media channels and listen to your NOAA Weather Radio.
  Flash flood: Rapid flooding, usually in low-lying areas. Water rushes with great force.
  Flash flood warning: Flash flooding is possible in your area. Follow local media channels and listen to your NOAA Weather Radio.
  Flood warning: Flooding is currently occurring or will occur in your area in the near future. Get to higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation instructions.
  Flash flood warning: Flash flooding is occurring. Seek higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation instructions.

While:

• Turn off utilities when instructed to do so. Disconnect all electrical devices from the power supply.

• Do not walk through running water. 15 cm of water is enough to knock you over.

• Do not drive in flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control and two feet of water can wash away your car. Remember: turn around, don’t drown.

• Check local media reports to see if the water is safe to drink.

• Avoid contact with flood water as it may be contaminated with dangerous liquids and contain sharp debris.

• Report downed power lines and stay 7.5 meters away.

After:

• Check local media reports to see if the water is safe to drink.

• Avoid flood water as it may be contaminated with hazardous liquids and contain sharp debris.

• Be aware of areas that have previously been flooded. Roads may be damaged.

• Report and avoid downed power lines.

Clean and disinfect anything that got wet from the flood. Throw away any food that came into contact with the flood water.