Several Streets in St. Augustine remain closed Wednesday due to flooding.
City Public Works Director Martha Graham says the city has a tendency to flood, but it’s worse this week because of super high-tide called a King Tide.
“Then we have the northeaster wind blowing yesterday which the tide was two feet higher than normal,” she said. “The tide was not as high today as it was yesterday because the winds were in our favor, however the rain got us.”
Graham said police are stationed at many of the flooded streets to keep drivers away. Anyone who notices flooding or clogged storm drains should call the public works department at 904-825-1040. The conditions are expected to last until Thursday.
One bit of relief, though: Graham said the city isn’t concerned the floodwater might freeze, because the temperature will probably stay just high enough.
This month St. Augustine is in the midst of installing 21 of what are called “tide check valves,” on storm pipes. The valves are designed to prevent tidal waters from entering the storm drain system, which should help minimize street flooding.
St. Augustine Public Works Safety Tips
- Do not walk through flood waters as it can be dangerous and a health hazard.
- Do not drive through flooded areas, turn around and find another way. It can be unsafe to drive through flooded areas.
- Driving through flooded waters can create waves, causing additional damage to surrounding landscape and property.
- Be careful around manhole covers, as they can become dislodged by the high tides.
Lindsey Kilbride can be reached at lkilbride@wjct.org, 904-358-6359 or on Twitter at @lindskilbride.
