Seattle Public Utilities prepares for street flooding as heavy rain approaches

Falling leaves and heavy rain can clog storm drains, causing street flooding and creating hazards for drivers, pedestrians, homes, and businesses, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) stated.

SPU crews maintain the city’s drainage system year-round. Before heavy rain comes, they inspect and clear high-risk locations, monitor forecasts, adjust staffing, and coordinate with the Seattle Department of Transportation on street sweeping. Crews also respond to reports of flooding and rainwater ponding around clogged drains, around the clock.

“At the end of the day, our main job is about protecting public health and safety. That’s really what it comes down to. And ponding can create serious issues, whether it be with the environment or with the public walking in their neighborhood,” Ray Brown, a spokesperson with Seattle Public Utilities, said.

Clear leaves from storm drains to help prevent rain-related flooding

Residents can help keep drains clear by raking leaves before they reach the street. Anyone clearing leaves from a storm drain should use a rake or another tool, never their hands, and stay on the sidewalk or curb, out of the roadway.

If all else fails, call SPU. You are their eyes and ears in your neighborhood.

“Call our operations response center at 206-386-1800 is critical, and telling us how they’re being affected by these rain events gives us so much information in terms of how we’re able to respond,” Brown said.

Seattle residents can also set out up to 10 extra bags of leaves on each collection day in November at no additional charge. To receive emergency updates, sign up for AlertSeattle at alert.seattle.gov.

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