Climate & Environment

Seattle Public Utilities Readies for Heavy Rain‑Induced Street Flooding

By James Lynch

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) warned that falling leaves and heavy rain can clog storm drains, leading to street flooding and hazards for drivers, pedestrians, homes and businesses. SPU crews maintain the city’s drainage system throughout the year, inspecting and clearing high‑risk locations before heavy rain, monitoring forecasts, adjusting staffing and coordinating with the Seattle Department of Transportation on street sweeping. The crews also respond 24/7 to reports of flooding and rainwater ponding around clogged drains. "At the end of the day, our main job is about protecting public health and safety. That’s really what it comes down to. And ponding can create serious issues, whether it be with the environment or with the public walking in their neighborhood," said Ray Brown, a SPU spokesperson. Residents can help keep drains clear by raking leaves before they reach the street, using a rake or other tool and staying on the sidewalk or curb, not in the roadway. If clearing is not possible, residents should call SPU. "Call our operations response center at 206‑386‑1800 is critical, and telling us how they’re being affected by these rain events gives us so much information in terms of how we’re able to respond," Brown added. Seattle residents can also place up to 10 extra bags of leaves on each collection day in November at no additional charge. To receive emergency updates, residents can sign up for AlertSeattle at alert.seattle.gov. The article was reported by James Lynch on X.