Nearly five inches of rain fell on parts of Washtenaw County, MI in just a few hours during a severe storm on August 23. This heavy downpour, which occurred over a three-hour time period, qualifies as a 500-year storm, meaning its chances of happening are only 0.2% at any given time. The water resources commissioner’s office stated that some areas received between 4.8 and 4.9 inches of rain in that short duration.
According to Evan Pratt, the water resources commissioner, the storm was statistically an unusual event. Although not every rain gauge has reported, it is clear that the storm was an unlikely event. The National Weather Service reported that the Willow Run Airport weather station recorded 5.37 inches of rain in the previous six hours.
The heavy rains affected various parts of the county, causing significant flooding in Canton and blocking access to a terminal at the Detroit Metro Airport. The storms seemed to stretch from Scio Township to Canton, with reports of deluges as far north as Salem Township and as far south as Dundee.
Local authorities were quick to respond to the storms. City crews in Ypsilanti started addressing the issues at 4 a.m. on August 24. Meanwhile, Pratt’s office urged residents to report flooding and drainage problems through specified contact channels.
The water resources commissioner’s staff is currently working alongside the road commission and other agencies to identify and address issues caused by the storm, such as a washout near the Willow Run Airport. They are also visiting areas with a history of flooding to ensure that the modified drains are functioning properly.
The recent storms are part of a trend of increasing weather severity observed in the past two decades. Pratt believes that shorter bursts of intense rainfall, like the ones witnessed on August 23, are indicative of climate change.
As residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the storm, the water resources commissioner’s office remains committed to keeping the water moving. They are urging people to report any instances of stagnant water and are prepared to respond to calls for as long as necessary.
In conclusion, the unprecedented storm that hit Washtenaw County, MI brought torrential rains, causing significant flooding in different areas. The local authorities are working tirelessly to address the aftermath and ensure the smooth flow of water. Climate change is believed to play a role in the increasing severity of such storms.
