Flooding, Power Outages Follow Heavy Rain
DETROIT (WWJ) - It's a slow go in metro Detroit Thursday morning after heavy rain overnight caused flooding on area freeways and knocked out power to several homes and businesses.
A flash flood watch remains in effect until 8 a.m. for Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Saint Clair, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Scattered power outages have been reported in southeast Michigan, mainly in Oakland County. Areas with the highest concentration of outages include 9 Mile and Lahser roads, and 12 Mile and Telegraph roads in Southfield. A DTE Energy spokesperson wouldn't say if the outages are storm-related, but did say the power should be restored in those areas by mid-afternoon.
DTE is constantly updating a power outage map to show residents where to expect the worst. Click here to check the map.
The rain left several areas of standing water on local freeways, causing backups and headaches for many morning commuters.
One of the worst areas is on I-94 between Livernois and Michigan Avenue. WWJ Traffic Reporter John Bailey said it appears manhole covers have come off of several openings on the freeway, causing flat tires on the vehicles of unsuspecting motorists.
Flooding is also reported on many other area roads, including on I-75 and I-375, on the Southfield Freeway at Grand River Avenue, at Rotunda and Miller in Dearborn, and at Wyoming and Southern in southwest Detroit.
That's where WWJ's Mike Campbell ran into Pete Dodge, whose car stalled out after he drove through a giant puddle. Dodge said his drive to work was treacherous.
"On I-94 by Livernois, there was like a river going across 94 heading westbound. I came through that one no problem, but this one stalled me out," he said.
As the day goes on, the weather should improve, as CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus said the rain won't be sticking around.
"We'll start out with a lingering shower here and there, with windy conditions for a good part of the day and readings in the mid 70s," he said.
For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent traffic incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.
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