Flood Watch In Metro Detroit As Heavy Rainfall Continues

METRO DETROIT — Most of southeastern Michigan is under a flood watch Tuesday as heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms move through the area, according to the National Weather Service.

The flood watch is in effect through at least 4 p.m. Tuesday and includes Genesee, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Shiawassee, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

The scattered showers with heavy periods of downpours are expected to cross the region throughout Tuesday as temperatures struggle to hit 70 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters warned some areas can see repeated rounds of heavy downpours.

Some areas in the region will see between 1 and 3 inches of rain by Tuesday afternoon when the rain showers begin tapering off and lows fall into the 50s, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters also warned excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, including roads.

"Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks," National Weather Service forecasters said. "Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas."

Here's the National Weather Service's extended forecast for metro Detroit:

Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 70 degrees. North wind 14 to 16 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 24 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 79 degrees. Northwest wind around 6 miles per hour becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 80 degrees. South southwest wind 8 to 17 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 30 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 76 degrees.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82 degrees.