MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Drain Maintenance crews are taking proactive steps to lessen the impact the storm could bring Thursday by clearing drainage grates of debris.
Remnants of Hurricane Francine are already moving north from the Gulf of Mexico.
Before remnants impact much of the Mid-South, crews are looking to inspect and clear 50,000 storm drains.
They hope this will help prevent street flooding.
“There are not enough employees to go around to clean every drain. People need to police themselves,” Charles Newell with Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency said.
Newell said many of the covered grates are littered with trash; however, he adds lawn debris also causes just as much if not more blockage.
“Those drains aren’t meant for leaves and grass clippings,” Newell said.
The City of Memphis is encouraging people to help by clearing nearby storm drains themselves. If you see a drainage grate that needs significant attention, officials encourage you to call 311.