Heavy rain from slow-moving thunderstorms triggered flash flood warnings on Monday, July 18, in west-central Wayne County and southern Macomb County, where flooded roadways and stranded vehicles were reported, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms also caused widespread power outages across the region. According to DTE Energy, nearly 11,000 customers were without power Monday afternoon. Consumers Energy reported more than 6,500 outages.
In Wayne County, the flash flood warning is in effect until 6:30 p.m. Between two to five inches of rain have already fallen as of 5:30 p.m., said NWS White Lake meteorologist Sara Schultz.
“Detroit Metro Airport was hit really hard. They have major flooding throughout the airport,” Schultz told the Free Press. “In the Romulus area, there were reports of vehicles stranded” due to flooded roads.
All Delta flights are grounded at DTW due to storms, Local 4 News reported. A ground stop is in effect; no Delta flights are arriving or departing.
DTW said it is experiencing flooding in several roadways across its campus, including the Dingell Drive tunnel. Officials advise caution when driving to the airport. The weather is also causing flight disruptions, and travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines before heading to DTW.
In southern Macomb County, including Warren, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, Roseville, Fraser and Utica, 2-4 four inches of rain have fallen as of 4:30 p.m., the NWS released. The warning is in effect until 7:25 p.m.
Residents of Sterling Heights received a text alert warning of the flooding and downed power lines across the area. Officials advised people not to drive through deep water or walk in flooded areas and to stay away from downed wires and any metal or energized objects.
Flash flooding is possible in small creeks and streams, urban areas, streets, underpasses, and low-lying or poorly drained areas, the weather service warned.
Numerous flooded roadways have been reported in both Macomb and Wayne counties, Schultz said.
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In Oakland County, a flood advisory remains in effect until 7:15 p.m., with 1-3 inches of rain already fallen. Affected areas include Troy, Pontiac, Birmingham, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Lake Angelus and Bloomfield Township.
The storms are moving slowly but are starting to shift out of the region, Schultz said.
The National Weather Service reminds drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Flash flooding, power outages reported across metro Detroit