Submitted by Thurston County Emergency Managment
Watch for urban flooding with late summer squalls Thursday September 5, 2013.
Change is in the air as a late summer storm system makes its way toward Western Washington. Isolated showers and possible thundershowers forecast for Thursday, September 5 could dump heavy rain at times in Thurston County, which could potentially overwhelm storm drains and cause urban flooding in some areas.
Lucy Mills, Road Operations Manager for Thurston County Public Works, says a few quick maintenance tips like clearing leaves and debris from storm drains before it rains can save residents the inconvenience of flooded roadways. “It’s been a long, dry summer, so there may be grass, debris, even garbage clogging up storm drains,” says Mills. “Taking just a few minutes to clean out the debris now could save you and your neighbors a lot of headaches when the rain comes.”
Residents of unincorporated Thurston County can call the Roads Maintenance division at (360) 867-2300 to report flooded roads. Residents are urged to only use 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.
Thurston County emergency management officials urge drivers to use caution in wet weather and stay away from flooded roads. “With the kind of spotty squalls that are predicted, a sudden downpour can flood a section of road in a matter of minutes. It only takes 18 inches of water to float a small car, so even if a roadway isn’t officially closed, the only safe bet is to avoid flooded roads and find an alternate route,” says Sandy Johnson, Thurston County Emergency Management Coordinator.
This week’s wet weather is a reminder that storm season is right around the corner, and that the county’s annual Emergency Preparedness EXPO this Saturday is a great opportunity to get the tools, tips and information you need to get your family and your home storm ready. The free event on Saturday, September 7 will open at 10 a.m. at the Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion & Worthington Conference Center, and every attendee will receive a free Kit-Man safety bag that will give you a jumpstart on creating your own emergency response kit. For more information about Preparedness EXPO 2013, visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/Expo or contact Vivian Eason at EasonV@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2825.
For more information on the Thurston County Emergency Management Division, visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/em
