Detroit asking volunteers to fill thousands of sandbags to keep flood water away

DETROIT (FOX 2) - The city of Detroit is asking for volunteers to help keep people dry as overnight rains flooded areas throughout the area - and will likely continue as rain doesn't stop.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan discussed efforts to help people dealing with flooding. In Detroit, the Jefferson Chalmers area is most affected as rising water from the Detroit River have breached the seawall along the canals.

Although many residents are concerned because more rain is in the forecast, Duggan says the rain is not the primary issue.

"It's being caused by the fact the Great Lakes look like they are at highest water levels in history," he said, adding they are likely to continue to rise right through June. 

That means tens of thousands of bags of sand will need to be put down in the neighborhood in the next several days to protect it over the next eight weeks according to city leaders. 

All hands on deck - that's what the city is calling for to fill these sandbags, asking members of the community to sign up and donate a couple of hours.

TO HELP: detroitmi.gov/flood

You can fill the sandbags or help deliver and place them behind and on top of the seawall.

"We think if we go a major push for the next four days we can significantly protect the homes in this community," Duggan said.

Heavy rains overnight cause flooding, school closures

Duggan spoke at Alfred Brush Ford Park, at the front of Lakewood street as the city asks people to help fill tens of thousands of sand bags over next several days to keep flood waters at bay.

Flooding traps people in cars, homes in Dearborn Heights neighborhood

Multiple schools in Wayne County are also closed Wednesday due to nearby flooding, including Allen Park Public Schools; Dearborn Heights; Lincoln Park;  Melvindale; Romulus; and Taylor. You can see a full list of current school closures here. 

A major road closure includes M-39. The northbound and southbound sides at Outer Drive are closed for water. Traffic is being ramped off onto Outer Drive. Take caution on freeway entrance and exit ramps. 

If you encounter a flooded road, do not attempt to pass. Turn around and try a different route. MSP is reminding drivers this morning it only takes about 6 inches of water to lose control of your car - and 12 inches to start floating. If your car stalls, stay inside and call 911. 

MDOT shared out a picture of several cars stranded in the water Wednesday morning on Ecorse Road under I-94. Diane Cross with MDOT says they're encountering stalled and underwater cars all over the metro area. 

In Dearborn Heights, firefighters had to rescue two women who were trapped inside a flooded car. We talked to a man who also said he was trapped inside his home, and was told he needed to wait for the water to recede before he could get out. 

Rain came down for much of the overnight hours, along with some non severe thunderstorms. We saw about 2-3 inches of rainfall. 

The rain is beginning to lift to the north now. We could see more showers develop through the morning hours but it won't be as heavy as what we saw overnight. More storms are expected to come our way later this afternoon again, though. 

You can keep an eye on the rain and the radar with your FOX 2 weather app.