Shores Copes with Heavy Rainstorms

The heavy rains that fell on St. Clair Shores flooded streets and disrupted yet another round of sporting events in the city.

All sporting events at fields were canceled Wednesday, as were many games across the city, and city departments and residents looked to cope with the waves of storms.

The city's pump stations were at capacity and pumping as much water as possible, councilwoman Candice Rusie posted on the city's Facebook page. 

Information about the pump stations and streets were conveyed to her by the Department of Public Works, which had received reports of street flooding in the 9 Mile and Marter road area.

Rusie also posted that city manager Ben Hughes authorized "DPW Director Bryan Babcock to utilize personnel this evening (if necessary) to do everything within our power to prevent flooding of homes and businesses (cleaning catch basins, pump stations maintenance, tree and branch removals, etc.)."

Hughes also conveyed that the Milk River nearly crested Wednesday morning, and it will be monitored to ensure the river will flow at maximum capacity into Lake St. Clair.

The rain system may continue through Thursday evening, with up to 3 inches of rain possible, according to the National Weather Service. St. Clair Shores and Macomb County remain under a flood watch following the recent heavy rains.

Following Wednesday's rains, residents also took to the Patch Facebook page to urge neighbors to help keep the water flowing into storm sewers by clearing grates.

"People need to pay more attention to keeping their trimming cleaned up after cutting to prevent flooding of their streets," wrote Jaci Wilson. "Doesn't take that much longer to do."

Venna Marie Thomason-Kelliker wrote, "We are so fortunate here on Gordon in our little section everyone takes care of their property and helps everyone out sweeping or blowing street after mowing, taking in and out each other's trash cans, even after (the) last storm making sure all are OK."

The Shores has been battered this week by storms, with the particularly battered Monday night with downed power wires and tree limbs.

An estimated 1,000 customers of DTE Energy lost power, including city hall and the police department.

Hughes stated that both buildings switched to generator power and "at no point was the police department out of service."

He added that this was the first test of the new with Roseville and Eastpointe, and there were no reports of service complaints.