WEST MICHIGAN – Moderate to very heavy rain fell in parts of our FOX 17 coverage area Tuesday. What started as light showers early in the morning turned very heavy after hours of rain and thunderstorms “training” over the exact same areas and locations! “Training showers and thunderstorms” are cases where the same locations are hit with precipitation for hours at a time. This can lead to rising creeks, rivers and streams and eventually widespread flooding. Both Muskegon and Holland recorded record rainfall amounts on September 24th. The official total in Muskegon was 4.43 inches, surpassing the old record of 1.20 inches set in 1977. That was their second highest single-day rainfall amount ever recorded. Their first was 5.08 inches, recorded on June 27, 1921. Holland also broke a record on Tuesday with 1.91 inches. The previous record was 0.9 inches, set in 1926. We have unofficial viewer reports that between 6 and 9 inches of rain may have fallen in parts of Muskegon County.
The image accompanying this article shows radar estimated rainfall. The blue areas received about 2 to 3 inches, the purple areas received 4 to 5 inches, and the red center around Muskegon may have received 6 inches or more, according to radar estimates. Also note that some areas received little or no rainfall. See the close-up image below.
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Due to the heavy rain, a flood warning is in effect for Muskegon County through Wednesday morning! Other areas with moderate to heavy rain include Ottawa, Oceana and Newaygo counties. Watch for puddles on the roads and rapidly rising tributaries. Never drive through standing water. Most vans and SUVs need less than 18 inches of water to get above water. Stay safe!
Our forecast calls for drier weather Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday before tropical moisture from Helene could hit our region this weekend. For the full forecast, visit www.fox17online.com/weather.
