MSD preps storm drains around St. Louis for upcoming rain

ST. LOUIS – Rain from Hurricane Helene is heading to the St. Louis area. Many people are preparing for possible flooding across the area. Metropolitan Sewer District crews were out Thursday clearing out storm drains to hopefully prevent flooding in known trouble areas.

“We’ve seen things like basketballs, skateboards, anything and everything that is in someone’s yard can end up in those storm inlets,” Nicholle Spencer, MSD spokesperson, said.

Underneath several feet of trash, some of the storm drains also have several inches of mud, leaves, and sticks clogging the drain.

“Fall is a challenging time at MSD because, as I mentioned, a lot of people want to take things like leaves and debris and let them kind of go in the inlets,” Spencer said.

She said cleaning out the drains is routine work, and the goal is to clean the drains on average every two years.

“We just want to make sure we’re doing our part to clean out those things that get in the storm inlets,” she said.

Spencer said they’re keeping a close watch on the possible flooding conditions expected Friday.

“We have crews on standby to address any of those problems. If we see that there is going to be more rainfall than is currently expected, we’ll bring on more standby crews to address those problems,” she said.

Spencer said MSD relies on the public to help keep the drains clear. If you see a problem area with clogged drains, call MSD at 314-768-6260.

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