Yes. A Flood Watch is in effect for St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe counties until 5 p.m. Today, as a slow moving area of low pressure brings heavier than normal rainfall rates to Southeast Michigan through the morning and into the early afternoon.
How much rain is expected
Most of the region should see 1 to 2 inches of rain through early this afternoon, though some localized spots could pick up more than 3 inches before the system winds down later in the day. Rain became more widespread overnight into this morning after a mix of showers and dry stretches on Saturday, and forecasters expect scattered thunderstorms to accompany the heavier bands of rain. Today itself will bring mostly cloudy skies with periods of rain and a few thunderstorms and flood, with a high near 77 degrees.
Is it safe to drive through flooded roads
No. Forecasters are urging drivers to turn around rather than attempt to cross roads with standing water of unknown depth, a precaution that matters most during the heaviest rainfall expected through this morning and early afternoon. Localized flooding is the primary concern tied to this system, rather than widespread severe weather.
When will the rain clear out
Skies should begin clearing Tonight as the low pressure system moves through, with mostly cloudy conditions early giving way to partly cloudy skies overnight and a low near 61 degrees. High pressure then builds into the region to start the week, bringing a mix of sun and clouds Monday with a high near 81, followed by mostly sunny skies Tuesday and a high near 84.
What does the rest of the week look like
Dry, sunny weather is expected to hold through the first half of next week, with highs climbing into the low 80s Monday and the mid 80s by midweek. The next chance for showers and thunderstorms arrives with a frontal boundary moving through Thursday, and that chance of rain continues into Friday, though temperatures are expected to stay in the 80s through the end of the week. A slight chance of showers may linger into next Saturday, but forecasters do not expect it to be a washout, with highs still holding in the mid 80s.
What should residents do to stay prepared
Residents in the watch area should monitor conditions through this afternoon, avoid driving through flooded roadways and stay alert for updates as the low pressure system moves through. Once it clears, a stretch of warm, mostly dry weather is expected to follow through the middle of next week before the next round of rain arrives Thursday.
