Metro Detroit Flooding: All Lanes Of I-94 Reopened

DETROIT — I-94 in downtown Detroit has reopened after being closed for parts of Friday due to flooding.

Westbound I-94 was closed at I-75 and eastbound I-94 was closed at I-96 as of 1 p.m. Friday, police said. The increased flooding prompted Detroit police to issue a warning to people commuting Friday.

"Please be careful, Detroit!" police said on Twitter. "We’re receiving multiple reports of flooded roadways and freeways. If you need help call, 911."

All lanes of I-94 had reopened as of 3:30 p.m.

Police first reported flooding around 10:30 a.m. Friday, warning that water was accumulating alongside I-94 in downtown Detroit. Officials urged drivers to use caution when driving in the area.

However, consistent rainfall across the region continued to build up, and other roadways began flooding, police said.

"We are seeing some ponding along I 75 in the city as well," MSP said on Twitter. "Crashes are starting to increase across the district as drivers forget to slow down in the rain."

Police warned of flooding on side streets, as well.

"At this time 94 and Chene seems to be the worst as far as water on the roadway," MSP tweeted. "Wayne County Roads have been notified. But with all this water coming down and having nowhere to go there will be flooding on side streets as well."

Around 10:30 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service in White Lake issued a flood advisory for Wayne and Washtenaw counties, citing rain the began Thursday afternoon and is on pace to continue throughout much of the day Friday.

That advisory later was changed to a warning, which is set to expire at 5:15 p.m.

"Rounds of water on roadways will continue to work across the region throughout the day which could cause additional minor flooding," the weather service reported.

The advisory was issued a day after President Joe Biden approved a request by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue a disaster declaration for Wayne and Washtenaw counties. The declaration allows both counties to receive federal funding in relief efforts.

Whitmer issued a state of emergency for parts of Wayne County, where The National Weather Service said more than 6 inches of rain fell during the night of June 25 and the morning of June 26, according to The Associated Press. Grosse Pointe Park said it measured 8.1 inches over 24 hours, the AP reported.

The rain led to the flooding of several Metro Detroit-area highways. More than 50,000 DTE customers lost power.

See More: Biden Approves Disaster Declaration For Parts Of Southeast MI

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed, the White House said.

This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.