SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – (WTVB) – Branch, Hillsdale, St. Joseph and Steuben Counties remain under a Flood Watch from Friday evening through Saturday evening as National Weather Service forecasters are calling for widespread moderate to heavy rainfall.
Total rainfall amounts of three to five inches are likely across the watch area. The heaviest rainfall rates are expected Friday night into Saturday morning, especially in embedded thunderstorms.
Forecasters say flooding of streams, creeks and low lying areas, including roads and underpasses, is expected. In addition, significant river flooding is expected later this weekend and extend through much of next week.
Flood warnings have already been posted on many area rivers. The Saint Joseph River at Three Rivers is expected to crest almost two-and-a-half feet above its seven foot flood stage next Thursday morning with additional rises possible thereafter. Moderate flooding is expected.
Ice is expected to be the main problem to the north of Branch County. Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Jackson Counties are among 23 counties included in a Winter Storm Warning which will be in effect from early Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
Heavy precipitation is expected in the area covered by the warning with initial rain becoming sleet and snow across of much of the southern counties. Forecasters are warning that travel might become extremely difficult because of the freezing rain. Before the weekend concludes, there could be substantial accumulation of snow and ice, and wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 45 MPH. Regional utilities like Consumers Energy are ramping up efforts to prepare for power outages due to the hazardous conditions.
