WHITEHALL, Mich. — Tuesday’s heavy rainfall brought high precipitation totals to many, but some saw significantly more rain than others.
The highest accumulation reports came from Muskegon County where totals between 4-9 inches were recorded resulting in some areas dealing with flash flooding headaches such as property damage and road closures.
This rainfall was brought on by a slow-moving low-pressure system that inched its way across the Great Lakes region throughout the day on Tuesday.
An upper-level trough over the Midwest deepened over the past couple of days, allowing for the low-pressure system in question to strengthen. This center of low pressure stalled out over the Mitten State, resulting in consistent rainfall and localized downpours for much of West Michigan.
The highest total came from Fruitland Township in Whitehall where 9.8 inches of rain was recorded. 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with one homeowner, Christina Byrd, who grew up in the area her whole life. Byrd said Tuesday's rain caused her basement to flood for the first time. "We don't even carry flood insurance, because it's not something that would happen," Byrd commented. "It's always when you least expect it, it ends up happening."
Nearby, the Mears-Zeller curve in Whitehall is still closed. Flood waters may have receded, but some residents said the damage is lasting. Whitehall’s City Manager said the section of road may be closed for a few weeks.
The city said it shouldn’t affect many residents, it will affect school bus routes. They asked anyone in the areas to be mindful of the crews at work who started working on the road earlier this afternoon.