Henrico prepares for Tropical Storm Debby

Henrico County has prepared for excessive rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, beginning tonight, by checking roadway drainage systems and clearing debris that could exacerbate localized flooding.

Crews spent part of the day clearing ditches and removing vegetation along roads to improve drainage as well as staging signs that may be needed on roads in low-lying areas. The Department of Public Works will monitor road conditions countywide throughout the storm, with particular attention to more than 40 flood-prone locations (see attached). The Department of Public Utilities has checked to ensure its generators and backup pumps are ready, if needed, to maintain water and sewer services during the storm.

The National Weather Service has placed Henrico and other localities under a flood watch, with 3 to 5 inches of rainfall and potentially more forecasted through Friday evening.

 “The biggest emphasis, as always for roads related to storm safety, is drainage,” said Rob Rowley, chief of Emergency Management & Workplace Safety. “We’re making sure that storm drains are open and that drainage lines and drainage routes are free of obstructions.”

Maintenance of storm drains is an ongoing priority for Public Works. Because of that, crews have been checking for potential problem spots, rather than clearing drains.

“A few weeks ago, we had a pop-up storm that dropped rain at a higher rate than we expect to see with Debby,” Rowley said. “And, of course, we had no problems then.” To report roads that are flooded or blocked with debris during the storm, residents may call the Department of Public Works at (804) 501-4393.