GLWA: Don't use dishwashers or washing machines during heavy rain
Risk of severe storms and flooding today
A flooding threat is coupled with a chance for severe thunderstorms in Metro Detroit on Wednesday. Alan Longstreet breaks down what to expect today.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - With a Flood Watch issued for all of Metro Detroit later Wednesday and 1-2 inches of rain in the forecast, residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) said Tuesday that the predicted rainfall amount is within the design capacity of the regional system, which is dry after last weekend's rain. Still, GLWA issued guidance to residents just in case.
GLWA said that people who live in low-lying areas should remove valuables from their basement. They should also do so if they have experienced flooding before.
Metro Detroit storm outlook: Severe weather, flooding both threats Wednesday
Severe thunderstorms and flooding are both in the forecast Wednesday in Metro Detroit, with storms expected in the afternoon and potential flooding overnight.
Additionally, during the heavy rain, people are asked not to run dishwashers or washing machines.
During rainstorms, this extra water can overwhelm the system and lead to flooding since many communities are part of a combined sewer system. In a combined system, wastewater and stormwater both flow through the same pipes, known as gray infrastructure, and go to a wastewater treatment plant.
This means that during periods of intense rain, the system can get overwhelmed and flood roads and basements.
The Flood Watch will be in effect for Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, St. Clair County, and Macomb counties.
The National Weather Service said there is a threat of rivers, creeks, and streams flooding. There could also be flash flooding in areas with poor drainage.
Featured
Michigan's severe storms highlight urgent need for better water management - What you can do
As powerful storms continue to hit Michigan, green infrastructure like rain barrels and rain gardens are becoming more important for mitigating flooding and water contamination.