Mobile crews prepare for potential flash flooding as more rain expected

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The City of Mobile says stormwater crews will spend the next three days monitoring flood-prone locations and clearing drainage systems before water has a chance to build up.

After weeks of soggy weather, many Mobile residents say they’re ready for a break. But with more rain expected this week, the city is preparing for the possibility of flash flooding.

Crews target known trouble spots

The Public Services Stormwater Department will monitor areas known to flood across the city, including downtown, Dauphin Island Parkway and Cypress Shores.

Crews are using heavy equipment, including Vactor trucks — specialized vacuum trucks that remove debris from storm drains and drainage systems — to clear catch basins, culverts and drain pipes.

Officials say the work is part of a coordinated response plan developed after the creation of the city’s Stormwater Department.

“That hasn’t always been done in the city, and having a plan allows us to assess our response in the future,” said Matt Anderson, director of public services. “Until the storm water department was created there wasn’t a formalized system for how we would respond to flash flooding.”

Residents urged to report drainage issues

Anderson said residents can play an important role by calling 311 to report clogged drains and flooding concerns before they become major issues. Public reports help crews identify trouble spots faster and prevent minor drainage issues from turning into flooded roads and neighborhoods.

“We just can’t keep an eye on all of the inlets,” Anderson said. “There’s over 40,000 in the city.”

City officials say the sooner crews know about a problem, the better chance they have to address it before heavy rain creates a more serious flooding issue.