Historic Flooding in Detroit (PHOTOS)

Thousands of motorists found themselves stuck on flooded roads on Monday in Detroit in what is being called a historic flooding event. Detroit and its suburbs experienced record-breaking rainfall, and portions of at least five major freeways remained closed through late Tuesday morning.

Parts of the Ford Freeway (Interstate 94), the Chrysler Freeway (Interstate 75), Interstate 696, the Southfield Freeway and the Lodge Freeway were closed Monday evening and remained closed through the Tuesday morning commute.

Many motorists abandoned their cars on Monday evening, and more than 1,000 cars were left across the metro area overnight. Dozens of rescues and evacuations were performed to bring locals to higher ground, while some drivers spent the night in their vehicles.

A woman died when she went into cardiac arrest after her car became trapped in the floodwaters, according to the Detroit Free Press. At least one other person was injured as their car was swept away by rising waters.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said that the state has "taken a dramatic series of actions" in order to clear the roads and respond to the damage caused by the deluge, including activation of The State Emergency Operations Center.