Prep helped minimize Central Valley flooding issues during recent storm

FRESNO, Calif (KSEE/KGPE) – As rainfall swept crossed the Central Valley this week, Fresno City officials accidental their crews were acceptable acknowledgment to proactive tempest mentation completed good earlier the archetypal drops fell.

Public Works Director Scott Mozier says the metropolis began clearing tempest drains and checking pump systems weeks successful advance, helping to forestall wide flooding and damage.

“The metropolis squad was acceptable and engaged successful things similar clearing drains weeks successful advance,” said Mozier. “We made definite pumps were working… we were good prepared for the event.”

So far, the metropolis has received less than 20 calls related to the storm. Most of those were for minor, localized thoroughfare flooding caused by clogged drains.

“It’s been somewhat busy. We’ve had little than 20 calls… mostly conscionable immoderate smaller localized flooding connected streets, truly coming from clogged drains,” Mozier explained.

One histrion was reported down up of the storm, but officials accidental the upwind remained calm passim the worst of the weather, helping to forestall further damage.

“So thankfully contiguous you tin spot the upwind is precise calm, which mostly means the trees bash well,” Mozier said.

City leaders are encouraging residents to beryllium proactive during aboriginal storms by reporting blocked drains, potholes, oregon downed trees.

“If there’s a downed tree, pothole, oregon localized flooding, residents tin telephone 311 oregon usage the FresGO app connected their smartphone,” said Mozier.

Even tiny debris—like conifer needles oregon a discarded soda cup—can artifact a drain and pb to thoroughfare flooding.

Mozier besides noted that Fresno benefits from a concern with the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District and the Fresno Irrigation District, which helps seizure stormwater and recharge groundwater levels.

“Thankfully, we’re aboriginal successful the season… we’re capable to seizure that tempest water. It goes into the flood power basins and creates a payment that really recharges our groundwater,” helium said.

For residents who unrecorded successful unincorporated “county islands” betwixt metropolis and region land, Mozier says either bureau tin assistance depending connected the location.

“Within the region islands, decidedly contacting the region is appropriate. If it’s a shared street… decidedly the metropolis tin tract those calls,” helium said.

To study a storm-related issue, specified arsenic a downed histrion oregon blocked tempest drain, you tin telephone 311 oregon download the escaped FresGO app connected your smartphone.