The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the traveling public to be prepared for heavy rain that could create difficult traveling conditions overnight tonight, Thursday morning and again late Friday night into Saturday.
The National Weather Service has advised that tonight's heavy rain could bring an inch or more to the Portland area through Thursday morning. It appears that the Friday night / Saturday morning storm system may bring about as much or potentially less rainfall, but the timing and duration are less certain.
This early in the fall season, leaves, litter and debris could clog storm drains and lead to rainwater ponding on city streets.
PBOT asks the traveling public, residents and businesses to take steps to reduce hazards associated with these conditions. The best way to prevent streets from ponding is for everyone to help keep Portland's 58,000 storm drains clear before a storm arrives.
Use a rake, shovel or broom and clear by standing in the sidewalk, not the street. Be aware of passing vehicles and check the drain again during and after a storm. It's also a good idea to clear inlets that lead stormwater to the green street planters in city streets. See more tips on how you can Adopt a Storm Drain at the at the PBOT website.
In recent days, PBOT crews cleared large storm drains in the West Hills that have a history of flooding. They restocked sand and sandbags at three locations available to the public as a courtesy to prepare for flooding. PBOT will have extra crews working overnight and before dawn, available to clear clogged storm drains on busy streets or where residents.
If you're not able to clear a storm drain, and water is affecting a busy street, call PBOT. Residents are advised to notify PBOT of debris, mud, rocks, trees or branches blocking a street by calling our 24/7 maintenance dispatch hotline at 503-823-1700 or by email at pdxroads@portlandoregon.gov
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation