ST JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – Flood warnings have been issued throughout the area thanks to heavy rain on top of the melting snow.
The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Flood Warning for Small Streams for St. Joseph County as well as for Cass and Berrien Counties in Michigan and LaGrange County in Indiana until 3:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday morning that up to two inches of rain has already fallen.
Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area through early Wednesday.
Many streams, creeks and small rivers will likely exceed bankfull and lead to flooding, including the Dowagiac River and Pigeon River. Many low lying areas will see high water and flooding as well. Roads may have water flowing across them.
Larger, main stem rivers are also expected to have flooding. Consult river warnings and statements for more information on expected crests.
A flood warning for the St. Joseph River at Three Rivers has been issued by the National Weather Service. It will go into effect Wednesday afternoon.
The river stage at 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning was 5.1 feet and rising. The flood stage is seven feet.
The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday afternoon and crest near 9.1 feet around 7:00pm Saturday night. At nine feet, moderate flooding of Scidmore Park can be expected.
Evacuation of some animals in the park zoo can also be expected.
High water affects several businesses and floods the basements of homes along South Main, Green and Jackson Streets.
This crest compares to a previous crest of 9.6 feet which took place in March 2009.
