Tree debris from Beryl blocking drainage

Potential Secondary Crisis from Beryl: Blocked Drains, Gutters, Ditches

7/19/24 – With 4-5 inches of rain expected in the next few days, storm sewer inlets, ditches, and gutters blocked by tree debris from Beryl could form a secondary crisis. Especially if the downpours become intense enough to cause street flooding that floats debris.

A Widespread Issue

Jeff Miller from Elm Grove Village in Kingwood alerted me to this problem. Miller graciously allowed me to use some photos he sent. I won’t bother to caption them. They all show the same thing: storm debris that could get swept into storm drains or that blocks ditches.

However, I will feature ten from different villages in Kingwood that show how widespread the problem is. I could show a hundred. A drive around Kingwood earlier today confirmed that this problem exists throughout the community.

Photos from 7/19/24

And last, but certainly not least…

The culvert under this drive is totally blocked by debris from a tree that fell on resident’s house.

Some Neighborly Advice

The power outages from Beryl are bad enough. Don’t create another secondary crisis.

Debris in ditches, gutters and storm drain inlets can block orderly drainage and back water up into neighborhoods and homes…especially if the homes are not elevated much above street level.

Help yourself and your neighbors by making sure your debris pile doesn’t pour into the street or block your ditch. Ask tree companies and lawn maintenance providers to pile debris at least a foot back from the curb. Admittedly, that can be hard in the case of ditches. But please try to leave some room for the water to flow around.

Budget Impact Waiting Down the Road

A former Harris County Flood Control District executive confirmed that drains blocked by debris is a common problem. “It is a concern, especially with the rain predicted for the next few days. There is not much anyone can do about it now though.  Maybe Public Works can clean the drains later this year after things are back to normal.” Unfortunately, that could take time and money, creating another potential secondary crisis involving the City’s budget.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/19/24

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