Oil Spill Containment Challenging on Swollen Kalamazoo River

AccuWeather.com reports containment efforts of an oil spill that began Monday on the Kalamazoo River may be hindered by the near flood conditions of the river.

There is the potential for thunderstorms in the area today, but most areas are predicted to receive less than half of an inch of rain, which will not cause any problems.

A small window of good weather is forecast for Thursday and Friday, according to AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams. He said there will be low humidity and sunshine in the region.

Kalamazoo has received about 2.5 inches of rain so far in July. Normal precipitation for the month of July is about 3.8 inches. Almost 2 inches of the rainfall total of July came on July 24 and 25.

Near-normal rainfall is predicted for the next two weeks, so flooding is not a concern at this time.

More than 840,000 gallons of oil have also leaked into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan after a leak from a pipeline began Monday. The slick is estimated to cover about 16 miles.

Booms are being used in efforts to contain the oil, but there are concerns that the oil could reach Morrow Lake.

The damaged pipeline, which is owned by Canada-based Enbridge Energy Partners, runs between Indiana and Ontario, Canada.

The cause of the leak is unknown at this time and the pipeline has been shut down.

If you have questions or want to speak to a meteorologist, contact: Roberti@AccuWeather.com