Water authority leaders warn of potential flooding today

Along with the threat of severe weather on Wednesday bringing storm damage or power outages, the Great Lakes Water Authority is asking people to be ready for possible flooding.

The issue is that prior rains have pushed the regional water system to near capacity levels.

“GLWA is asking residents to be on high alert and be prepared, especially those in in low lying areas and those who have previously received flooding, given that the U.S. National Weather Service is predicting severe storms with possible local heavy rainfall on Wednesday afternoon” the GLWA said Tuesday afternoon in a release. “Total rainfall of 0.5 inches is possible across the region.”

The authority says the system is working and is actively being drained after the recent heavy rains. They also say “it is working as designed and has the capacity to handle the expected flows in the system.”

But people who live in low-lying areas who has previously been prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain should “remain vigilant and (act) out of an abundance of caution.”

The primary tip was to remove valuable items from basements to avoid them being ruined if there is flooding.

Accuweather.com reports there is a chance of overnight storms Tuesday into

Wednesday, but Wednesday could see severe storms as highs could reach into the mid-70s.

For Royal Oak, where there has been previously significant flooding, accuweather.com reported the potential for 0.89 inches fo rain with rain possibly lasting four hours.

Beyond the flooding, meteorologist are watching for the chance of dangerous weather.

For Wednesday, accuweather.com notes: “A few tstorms, some severe; breezy in the p.m.; there is a significant risk for damaging wind gusts, tornadoes and large hail.”

Another round of stormy weather is possible later Wednesday in the nighttime as well.