The Great Lakes Water Authority is preparing for a busy few days with the expected rainfall heading to Metro Detroit.
Some people living in low-lying areas or near the water seem concerned about flooding.
GLWA will be on standby for the potential of flooding with the 1-4 inches of rain that may be on the way.
“Our team is experienced, vast, and ready for this storm,” said the Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Operating Officer Navid Mehran.
Mehran says the GLWA regional system usually operates just fine. But with all the rainfall, the water may exceed its capacity.
“When that happens, potentially for basement backups and street flooding that can happen,” Mehran said.
GLWA is prepared to operate the system as designed if we do indeed get all that rain coming along with these storms.
If you’ve dealt with flooding before, it’s best to be cautious and remove anything in your basement to higher ground. It is also helpful if you don’t use any heavy machinery that involves water.
“Minimize using washers, dryers, and dishwashers at this time, just so you have room for the system to handle - coming in from this rain,” Mehran said.
GLWA will be monitoring this situation around the clock. One positive aspect of this situation is that they knew this weather was coming at least.
If anyone knows anything about flooding, Richard Belloni has lived in the Jefferson Chalmers area for decades.
“Between the two houses, three furnaces, and two hot water tanks, so I tried to elevate everything,” said Belloni. “I have had a rowboat down the street to bring people groceries. So, you know you deal with it.”
With 1-3 inches on the way, some areas potentially expect to see four. It brings back memories of a not-so-good time when water was inside his home.
Thankfully, he has faith in the Great Lakes Water Authority and knows what’s to come.
“I have reason to believe that they’re more prepared now than they were,” Belloni said. “But then, it’s like anything: until you have an event, you don’t know where your weaknesses are. But as long as you address them afterward, you’ll be in great shape.”
Mehram with GLWA says rightfully so. They’re working around the clock to ensure that the issue will be resolved promptly if the heavy rain exceeds the system’s regional capacity.
--> Flood Watch is in effect as remnants of Hurricane Beryl are expected to soak Metro Detroit