The public works department will begin surveying problem areas Monday following torrential rains that caused flooding in many parts of the city today.
Public Works Director Larry Chalker said the city will be using its storm drain camera to look for blockages and damages and will also be using sewer jets to clear drains.
The flash flooding in the city was caused by heavy morning rains, which inundated storm water drains. One business on 12th street had 8 inches of water inside and there were reports water may have gotten in the Union Mission and the backdoor area of Rosemary Methodist Church.
“We’re going to explore every call for help and go back and take a second look at storm drainage,” Chalker said.
The city’s engineering firm, ms consultants, was on the streets with public works crews this morning. “We’re going to see if there’s a better way to handle the water,” Chalker said. “This was a not a normal rain event. The areas that have the worst we’re going to take a look at them first and see if we can make it better. It (the storm drainage system) does a great job in normal rain. (With) this event, a 10 to 20-year event, this amount water may have caused some damage. Our storm drain camera will be on the streets.”
Chalker said areas of concern include 12th Street; Gregory Drive in front of New Day Fitness; 10th Street in the area of the old Heilig-Myers and Virginia and 12th.
There were 12 public works employees on the street today, as well as police and fire personnel. “The mayor was with us going from call to call.”
