FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 10/28/2009) Clearing out drain basins in the city of Memphis is the task at hand for city workers.
"Everyday of the week Monday through Friday," said Public Works Maintenance Administrator Robert Knecht.
With the forecast showing heavy rains headed our way the Mid-South is under a flash food warning. That means, even more crews are being added to the job. And the new fall foliage now covering the streets, is compounding the issue.
One to two inches of rain for Thursday, one to two inches of rain for Friday, that mean cumulative, upwards of six inches of rain by Saturday morning," added Daybreak Meteorologist, Todd Demers.
Its big job for 10 crews of three, working to clean the over 300 square miles of our city.
"We have in the neighborhood of 70,000 inlets in the city of Memphis city limits and if you break that down, that's quite a few that we have to inspect," added Knecht.
Its not just leaves and trash blocking the flow of water. In some drains, asphalt from road work has gone into the storm drain and hardened, blocking the flow of water.
This crew had to lift the drain basin and go down inside. They broke up the asphalt... so that now storm water can flow freely on this Frayser Street.
"Anybody who travels down a city street and has come across water that is block one of the lanes or partially blocking, its very concerning, it can create a safety issue," said Knecht.
Crews work to clear most drains around the city, but they can't make it to all of them. "We do depend on our citizens to notify us of areas that need our immediate attention," said Knecht.
Anyone who calls will have their street added to a list of priorities, preventing flooding one drain at a time. If you want to call about a clogged drain in your neighborhood, you can 357-0100. Public works will get to you as soon as possible.
- Large amounts of rain are headed right towards the Mid-South in the coming days
- Memphis city workers are trying to prevent as much flooding as possible
- And they are counting on you to help them get it done
(Memphis 10/28/2009) Clearing out drain basins in the city of Memphis is the task at hand for city workers.
"Everyday of the week Monday through Friday," said Public Works Maintenance Administrator Robert Knecht.
With the forecast showing heavy rains headed our way the Mid-South is under a flash food warning. That means, even more crews are being added to the job. And the new fall foliage now covering the streets, is compounding the issue.
One to two inches of rain for Thursday, one to two inches of rain for Friday, that mean cumulative, upwards of six inches of rain by Saturday morning," added Daybreak Meteorologist, Todd Demers.
Its big job for 10 crews of three, working to clean the over 300 square miles of our city.
"We have in the neighborhood of 70,000 inlets in the city of Memphis city limits and if you break that down, that's quite a few that we have to inspect," added Knecht.
Its not just leaves and trash blocking the flow of water. In some drains, asphalt from road work has gone into the storm drain and hardened, blocking the flow of water.
This crew had to lift the drain basin and go down inside. They broke up the asphalt... so that now storm water can flow freely on this Frayser Street.
"Anybody who travels down a city street and has come across water that is block one of the lanes or partially blocking, its very concerning, it can create a safety issue," said Knecht.
Crews work to clear most drains around the city, but they can't make it to all of them. "We do depend on our citizens to notify us of areas that need our immediate attention," said Knecht.
Anyone who calls will have their street added to a list of priorities, preventing flooding one drain at a time. If you want to call about a clogged drain in your neighborhood, you can 357-0100. Public works will get to you as soon as possible.
