Wet Weather Weary Royal Oak Residents Brace for More Rain

Rain, rain, go away is what a lot of Royal Oak residents are saying today as they mop up wet basements and clear debris from their curbs and yards – all while keeping an eye on the sky.

Lisa Johnson White, who lives in the area near west of said her basement is wet, but not flooded. "There's just too much water and nowhere for it to go," she said. "I have never had this happen at this time of year before. Usually we get a bit wet when it rains on frozen ground in February or March. I haven't seen it this wet, though, for at least 20 years."

Royal Oak resident Ann Matteson lives on East Fourth Street, west of Campbell, and reported a similar situation. "Basement is a mess. Thank God it's not inches of water, but it's seeping in from all corners," she said. "I'm going to be spending the weekend going through wet boxes and throwing stuff away. Arrgh!"

Local Home Depot and Lowes stores are said to be either out or running low on electric pumps to clear flooded basements. Plumbers are also doing a brisk business clearing drains.

The opening of the highly anticipated at the suffered a bit Wednesday, too, according to spokeswoman Patricia Mills Janeway. A planned media tour this morning was rescheduled because of forecast storms. "We’re looking forward to better weather for the Memorial Day weekend and lots of happy – and dry – visitors," she said. 

Those puddles that seem to be disappearing this morning? They're likely to return this afternoon.

Following yesterday's 2-4 inches of  heavy downpours and sprinkles this morning, a second area of showers and thunderstorms is forecast this afternoon. There is the potential that these showers and thunderstorms will bring more heavy rainfall to the area, the National Weather Service said. A flood warning remains in effect until 11:30 p.m. today.

"Do not underestimate the power of flood waters," the NWS warned. "Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can quickly carry away your vehicle."

Cities across Metro Detroit reported flooded roads and creeks, as well as power outages and even water boil warnings. 

The traffic light at 13 Mile and Main Street in Royal Oak was out, snarling morning commutes, but it has since been repaired. There are also widely scattered power outages reported around Royal Oak, according to DTE Energy's outage map.

Wondering how to plan your long holiday weekend? Here's the forecast:

• Today: Scattered showers, then periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. 
• Tonight: Showers likely, with gusts as high as 20 mph. 
• Friday: A 40 percent chance of more showers.
• Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. 
• Sunday: Partly sunny.
• Monday, Memorial Day: Mostly sunny with a high near 88.