Charlotte, N.C. – Heavy rain this weekend and next week could lead to flooding. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is asking residents to prepare for the potential of heavy flooding. Residents are advised to stay tuned to WCCB Charlotte, identify flood risks, report clogged storm drains and identify any evacuation routes.
Mecklenburg County has an estimated 150,000 storm drains. Residents may clear leaves or debris from outside of drains but should call 311 for significant blockages or if the drain is on a busy street. Residents should also call 311 to report blockages within local creeks.
Any time of year, intense rainfall can flood streets, yards and buildings, and can send streams over their banks. After months of below-normal rainfall, here are some flood safety reminders:
- Never drive through flood water. Turn around and don’t drown.
- Don’t walk or play in flood water. Only six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet.
- Flooded streets, creeks and streams are unpredictable. The water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears and may quickly rise without warning.
- Heavy rain can cause any low-lying area or any street to flood, even if it’s not near a creek or in a mapped floodplain.
- Report dangerous flooding to 911.
- Any flood watches or warnings will be announced by the National Weather Service.
Storm Water Services will be monitoring rainfall amounts and stream depths with the Flood Information & Notification System. The “FINS” network of local rain and stream gauges automatically notifies emergency responders to the threat or actual danger of flooding.
