Crews prepare for weekend rain | News

FLOYD COUNTY, IN (WAVE) - It has been over a month since the region has faced rain amounts exceeding one inch, so that has city managers preparing their communities to make sure some beneficial rain doesn't become harmful.

Across Floyd County stormwater crews are cleaning drains prepping for the potential for heavy rain from Isaac. 

It is the isolated chance for very heavy totals that has them concerned. Chris Moore, with Floyd County Stormwater explained, "Our system is designed to handle heavy rain but if we get six inches in a 24 hour period all bets are off."

On the Kentucky side of the river their eyes are on the sky as well.

Steve Tedder with the Metropolitan Sewer District said, "If we get a lot of rain in a very short period of time-that can cause overflow."

The concern is those streets and viaducts that always seem to flood in our area.

"We know what those are to be able to even order barricades for certain places in advance of what we know is going to be a backup of the sewer system," explained Doug Hamilton with MetroSafe.

One of those areas prone to back up is Beargrass Creek at the Cherokee Park location. Currently, the ground is pretty dry, so a lot of it is going to run off.  What forecasters and hydrologists are going to be watching for this weekend is for the potential for about 2 to 3 inches of rain per hour.  If we reach that or exceed it--- flash flooding will then become a reality.

"Should the overflow be on the lookout for localized flooding on streets or viaducts. So forth.  Of course we ask or no one to drive through or walk in it," said Tedder.

Moore echoed the same sentiments for Indiana residents, "If there is an emergency or if you see flooding don't' drive through it-call your local agency or 911."

MSD is also urging residents not to run their dishwasher or washing machine during heavy rain events. These machines add pressure on the entire water and sewer system.

The Stormcutter HD will become our best friend over the weekend as well as reports from you.

A reminder you can send us your reports of any rain totals or flooding via our weather app by going to WAVE3.com, on the WAVE 3 Weather page on Facebook or email your pictures to pix@wave3.com.

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