A flood watch is being extended until Tuesday afternoon for the West Central Michigan area that includes Isabella, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola Counties.

Officials from National Weather Service say several rounds of thunderstorms are forecasted tonight. Rainfall rates will top an inch per hour in the strongest storms.

Local storm total rainfall amounts could exceed 3 inches which would be enough to trigger flooding. 

Mecosta County Emergency Management officials advise residents or commuters to turn around when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Keep children away from storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. Water levels can rise rapidly and sweep children away.