PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MI) Widespread severe storms cause localized flooding in lower Michigan

Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:38:39 EDT

Summary: Severe storms passed through lower Michigan August 11-13 resulting in localized flooding.

Strong storms passed through parts of the Upper Midwest starting Wednesday and Thursday bringing heavy rainfall to parts of Michigan. Much of lower Michigan received 2-8 inches of rainfall based on radar estimates, with the NWS reporting that the Detroit Metro region saw 3 to 5 inches of rain.

Michigan currently has 1 gage above NWS major flood stage and 3 gages above Action or Minor flood stage. The Huron River at Hamburg is above major flood stage and expected to crest over the weekend at 7.6 ft, 0.2 ft higher than current stage. Notable rankings of peaks with more than 50 years of record include the Grand River at Jackson which peak ranked 7th highest in 85 years of record, and Jordan River near East Jordan, which peaked 6th highest in 54 years of record. Thirty-five gages with variable record lengths are recording all-time highs for this day of record. Streamflow at most gages is currently receding.

All gages appear to be working. Field staff have made selected discharge measurements for flow confirmation or rating gaps at targeted gages on the Huron, Pine and Manistee Rivers.

As of Friday afternoon, storms are moving out of southeast Michigan.
Forecasts show little additional precipitation in the next several days.