More rain on the way
The Saginaw River in downtown saginaw could experience moderate flooding in the next 36 hours. Photo by Nolan, check out his Flickr site
/ Nolan
MID-MICHIGAN -- Thanks to above normal rainfall in the month of April, snowmelt, and now a fresh 2" or more of rain in the past 36 hours, area rivers are rising.
The National Weather Service has posted warnings for the following rivers in Mid-Michigan
1) The Tittabawassee River near Midland is expected to crest at 26.5 feet, 2.5 feet above flood stage, by Friday morning.
2) The Saginaw river near Saginaw is expected to crest at 18 feet, or 1 foot above flood stage Friday evening.
3) The Chippewa river below Mt. Pleasant is expected to crest around 8.5 feet by tomorrow morning, or 6 inches above flood stage.
4) The Rifle River near Sterling is expected to crest around 7.1 feet, or 1.1 feet above flood stage.
Residents who may be affected should take immediate action to protect life and property. Motorists should be alert for rising water when traveling near these rivers over the next few days as well. Remember that even 6 inches of fast moving water is all it takes to knock you off your feet, and 2 feet of water swiftly moving can lift your vehicle.
Three of the cites are expecting only minor flooding, but the National Weather Service classifies the expected flooding along the Saginaw river as "moderate" with a crest expected at 2.5 feet above flood stage. The last comparable crest of the Saginaw river occured on March 15th, 2006, more than 5 years ago.
Additional rain through Thursday morning could total another inch or more in some areas. If amounts are higher other sites could see more serious flooding. The NBC 25 weather team will be monitoring the situation with area rivers through the weekend. Flood watches are posted for many counties in the NBC 25 viewing area due to potential for additional flooding with the coming rainfall.
