UNDATED – (WTVB) – What had been a fairly quiet winter is expected to turn nasty this weekend.
As of early Thursday afternoon, Branch County was included in a Flood Watch that was in effect from Friday evening until Saturday evening.
Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall was expected with amounts of three to five inches likely across the watch area. Locally higher amounts are possible.
Forecasters say flooding of low lying areas and along small creeks and streams is most likely. In addition significant river flooding is likely to develop this weekend and extend into much of next week. Minor urban flooding was also possible especially where storm drains are obstructed.
While heavy rains are expected to be the main problem in Branch County, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for counties to the north including Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties.
Forecasters are calling for the possibility of heavy mixed precipitation. Rain is expected to change over to an icy mix. The icy mix will possibly transition to snow in central portions of Michigan.
Snow, sleet, and ice accumulations may be significant with wind gusts as high as 45 miles an hours. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice and travel could be nearly impossible.
The two day storm total precipitation amounts could approach winter season historical records in Southern Michigan. Residents are being told to be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages and canceled travel plans.
