The National Weather Service has issued a heavy storm warning for Western Washington starting the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 12, and extending through the weekend. During a heavy rain event the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system could get overwhelmed and some city streets and low areas could flood.
The National Weather Service has issued a heavy storm warning for Western Washington starting the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12, and extending through the weekend. During a heavy rain event the City of Tacoma’s stormwater system could get overwhelmed and some city streets and low areas could flood.
Storm drains clogged by fallen leaves are one of the biggest causes of street flooding, and one of the easiest to prevent. Residents can help prevent potential flooding issues by disposing of leaves and yard waste properly and by keeping streets and storm drains free from debris.
The city recommends residents use a rake, broom or stick to clear blockage of storm drains in their streets, but warns to not wade into large puddles.
If you cannot clear the blockage, or you see a storm drain that is not working properly, please report flooding problems to (253) 591-5585
The City’s surface water crews work to keep Tacoma’s 22,000-plus storm drains functioning properly. However, residents can make a big difference in preventing street and property flooding due to clogged storm drains by picking up fallen leaves and keeping storm drains clear.
For more information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/flood or call (253) 591-5585.
– City of Tacoma
Keep storm drains clear
Pierce County residents can reduce flooding on county roads by picking up yard waste on their properties and making sure nearby storm drains are free of leaves.
“The potential for flooding along county roads increases as wet weather returns and leaves fall,” said Brian Ziegler, Pierce County Public Works director. “Leaves and debris can block storm drains, resulting in roadway flooding. We encourage residents to pick up yard waste and remove leaves and debris blocking neighborhood storm drains throughout the fall.”
Pierce County residents can take the following actions to keep storm drains clear:
Put leaves and other yard debris in yard waste bins for pick up. Find transfer stations where you can drop off yard waste at www.piercecountywa.org/yardwaste.
If it can be done safely, remove leaves from storm drains with a rake.
For Pierce County roadways: If a blockage can’t be cleared, the roadway is flooding or a storm drain is on a busy road, call Pierce County Public Works at (253) 798-6000 or submit a Request for Action at www.piercecountywa.org/rfa.
Residents in cities and towns should contact their local public works department to report flooding or storm drain problems.
Pierce County road crews clear drainage systems, downed trees and landslides when possible, close roads or lanes if they are not passable, and clean drainage systems proactively to reduce flooding.
Motorists should not drive through standing water, near downed trees or utility lines, or around road closure barricades.
For information about Pierce County’s response to winter weather, visit www.piercecountywa.org/winterwise.
– Pierce County
Coast Guard warning to boaters: ‘Life threatening seas’
Coast Guard 13th District personnel are preparing for a series of coastal storms expected to impact the Washington and Oregon Coastal areas starting late Wednesday night.
Storm-force wind gusts of up to 60-75 mph are expected along the coast with sea swells reaching up to 30 feet.
Rain arrived Wednesday night and pushed inland, resulting in the strongest storm of the season that will last from Thursday into Saturday.
The marine warning, issued by the National Weather Service office in Portland for the waters 10 to 60 nautical miles between Cape Shoalwater, Washington and Florence, Oregon suggests “life threatening seas and strong winds increasingly likely later this week.”
“While the forecast for the coast includes high sea swells and strong winds, mariners should be aware that the inshore waters will also see very hazardous conditions with the southerly winds,” said Michael Allen, a search and rescue watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound.
Winds on inshore waters are uncertain and dependent on the storm’s track but are expected to reach 30 knots with combined seas of 19-22 feet.
The Coast Guard also reminds owners of small boats, kayaks, and other paddle craft to properly secure them, as well as any loose life jackets, paddles, or buoys. When coastal storms slam the area the Coast Guard often gets many calls about adrift vessels and this diverts time, assets, and crews to search for what is often unmanned vessels or gear swept out to sea during the storm.
– U.S. Coast Guard
