Detroiters are bracing themselves for another round of storms on Wednesday night.

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Area residents dealt with sleet and rain during their morning commutes as scattered thunderstorms moved through the region. The National Weather Service has placed most of metro Detroit under a Flood Watch from 8 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning, with risk of high winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of hail or an isolated tornado.

The heaviest rainfall is expected to develop overnight, with NWS estimating up to two inches of rain. That could lead to rising water levels in creeks and streams. Low-lying areas could be affected as well, and residents who have experienced flooding during past heavy rain events are encouraged to check their basements through the evening to make sure water isn’t backing up.

Temperatures will rise into the 60s during the evening hours.  

Other headlines for Wednesday, April 2, 2025:

• The city of Highland Park issued a boil water advisory for residents this week after receiving complaints about low water pressure over the weekend. Officials say they’ve been working to modernize the city’s system by replacing water mains and installing master meters in different parts of Highland Park.
• Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed is stepping down to “consider a future opportunity in Michigan,” after serving in the position for two years, County Executive Warren Evans announced in a news release Wednesday.
• State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) announced Wednesday that she is running for the U.S Senate seat that will be left open by outgoing Sen. Gary Peters.
• Detroiters are waiting to hear details about tariffs that President Donald Trump says he will implement Wednesday, on what he calls “Liberation Day.” Trump is expected to deliver late afternoon remarks about the subject in the White House Rose Garden. 

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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Thursday that over 90 percent of the families displaced by the water main break and subsequent flooding in Southwest Detroit have returned to their homes.

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The city has replaced 125 furnaces and 126 hot water heaters in affected homes, with just a few left that need replacing.

Resident Deanna Dooley has lived on Rowan Street for 20 years. She says she was impressed with the response from the city.

“When we woke up in the middle of the night, none of us knew what we were going to do,” she said. “But within 24 hours, at least we all felt safe again. We weren’t whole, but we were safe.”

Dooley says her furnace, hot water heater and all the electrical wiring in her basement were replaced and her family is back in their home.

Homeowners who still need to make a claim have until Thursday, April 3 to file. Duggan says the emergency hotline for repairs will be discontinued on Sunday. Anyone who still needs help can call 877-311-3664. The Notice of Claim form can be found in English and Spanish at detroitmi.gov. 

Other headlines for Thursday, March 27, 2025:

• President Donald Trump announced yesterday  25 percent tariffs on cars and light duty trucks imported into the US. That will have an impact on Detroit’s Big Three automakers. Ford Motor Company has three plants in Mexico, and reportedly sent roughly 176,000 cars from there to the US just in the first half of 2024. General Motors imported about 750,000 vehicles into the US from Canada or Mexico last year. Stellantis also has assembly plants in Mexico and Canada. Congresswoman Debbie Dingle supports the tariffs, but says car companies and suppliers need time to adjust to them. She says while the tariffs could bring companies back to the US, it won’t happen overnight.
• Detroit City Councilmember Fred Durhal is hosting a career support and opportunities event for returning citizens. The Dress for Success resource fair will provide professional support and other help to returning citizens in Detroit. Residents can pick up donated business casual attire, receive help writing resumes and get interview etiquette training. The event will be Friday, March 28 from 2–4 p.m. at Covenant Community Care on 17625 Joy Road. To register and learn more, visit @freddurhal3 on Instagram.
• Signup for the Plan Detroit Policy Workshops is now open. The workshops allow Detroit residents to sound off on decisions that will affect Detroit neighborhoods, environment, culture, transportation and economy. Participants will sit in on guided discussions, collaborate with residents and work directly with city planners to develop policy recommendations. Workshops begin on Saturday, April 12 at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center. To register, visit plandetroit.com.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we share the latest news on cleanup efforts in Southwest Detroit after the water main break; highlight special events planned for 313 Day and more.

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Cleanup continues in Southwest Detroit

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department said Wednesday it’s making good progress on repairing damage from a major water main break in Southwest Detroit. DWSD Director Gary Brown says fixing residential furnaces, hot water tanks, electrical and plumbing issues are a priority.

“We’re addressing [those issues] first so that we can get people back in their homes while we take care of a punch list of other smaller things while they’re still in the home,” he said.

Brown says he hopes to meet his goal of getting the neighborhood back to normal within six weeks. Dozens of families are still staying in hotels until repairs are completed. 

Michigan report shows unemployment uptick

Michigan gained jobs in January, but not enough to rein in an increase in the state’s monthly jobless rate — which is now 5.3%. The new state jobs report was released on Thursday by the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. Michigan’s January unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than the national rate. Part of that is due to turbulence in the manufacturing sector of the economy.  

–Reporting by Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

Pensole Lewis College of Business launches annual Light School 

The Pensole Lewis College of Business – formerly known as Lewis Business College – has started an annual “Light School” program. The school is offering free night classes across multiple design disciplines such as apparel, footwear and graphics. The experience is funded by the Detroit Pistons, Stock X and the college. Each of the classes runs for six weeks. 

–Reporting by Michale Coffey, WDET

Michigan gas prices steady

Gas prices remain steady in metro Detroit, according to AAA Michigan. The average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.01.  Last week, gas was $3.02 per gallon. Prices are down about 14 cents per gallon from the average a month ago. 

Detroiters celebrate 313 Day 

Happy 313 Day Detroit! Named for the city’s legendary area code established in the 1940s, and taking place each year on March 13, 313 Day offers an opportunity for residents to celebrate all things Detroit. There are several events and activities planned around the city, including at the Masonic Temple, Robert C. Valade Park, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the Joe Louis Greenway and more. Several small businesses like City Bird, Atwater Brewery, Buddy’s Pizza, Mezcal Mexican Restaurant and others have special deals for the day. Many Detroit area McDonald’s locations are also offering a 313 Day meal, which includes a double filet-o-fish, four-piece McNuggets, medium fries and a Vernors Boston Cooler ice cream drink. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.