SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — With rain showers expected to last through Thursday, meteorologists are advising residents across Berrien and Cass counties of potential localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Mark Frazier, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Syracuse, Indiana, said people should “be on the lookout” through the weekend.

“It takes time for that water to drain away,” Frazier said.

Rain and thunderstorms have plagued the area since early in the week. While Frazier emphasized that residents should be aware of conditions, he said a river flood warning or flood advisory had not been issued.

The St. Joseph River in Niles is anticipated to reach minor flood stage levels, with the possibility of water rising to 11.7 feet by Friday morning. Frazier said the river’s flood stage is 11 feet. The river typically flows below 9 feet.

Frazier asked residents not to travel over flooded roadways.

“I can’t emphasize that enough,” Frazier said. “That is really probably the biggest thing we see where we find people getting themselves into danger. The thing that people tend not to realize is that if it is near a river, there could be a current that could move the vehicle off the road.”

Frazier also said people should not to play in high waters due to swift moving currents. 

Conditions are expected to dry out Friday. According to Frazier, the storm, which has been situated across Michigan and the Ohio River Valle, is expected to blow east and bring residents a reprieve from the rain.

“The good news is … this front will no longer be stationary across the valley,” Frazier said.

As residents wait out the storm, Frazier advised people to be cautious.

“Every time we are in this type of wet pattern, [there] should be an added layer of awareness for people, as they’re driving to work or home,” he said.

For more information or updated forecasts, visit the National Weather Service’s website at weather.gov.