Neighborhood Notes

The City of Portland's Transportation Maintenance Operations is preparing for rain and wind storms forecasted by the National Weather Service to occur over the next 48 hours. Crews will be working the Veteran's Day holiday today to keep catch basins, culverts, and trash racks clear of debris in response to recent rains and in preparation for more. The City is prepared to deal with downed trees, limbs, and leaves and standing water issues that strong winds and heavy rain could bring.

The City advises residents that they can help reduce street flooding by periodically clearing catch basins (grated storm drains) near their property. The following simple actions can help keep streets open and catch basins clear:

• Use a rake or pitch fork to clear leaves and debris from catch basins so that water can drain easily.

• Do not rake leaves into the street. Pile them on the curb in the planting strip (grassy area between the sidewalk and the street). The City's leaf removal service is intended solely for leaves that impede stormwater drainage and cause traffic hazards.

• For leaves that have already collected on the street, move them 12 inches from the curb, allowing water to flow to the catch basin without carrying the leaves with it.

• When you see City crews out working, please slow down. Remember that you are in a hazardous area perhaps with low visibility. Be considerate to workers and slow down especially when driving through standing water near them.

• Watch carefully for pedestrians and bicyclists, who may be in the street to avoid a flooded corner or who may be moving quickly to get out of the rain or catch a bus. Darkness limits everyone's visibility. Look out for each other.

If residents are unable to clear catch basins themselves, they are advised to call the City's Dispatch line at 503-823-1700 to report a clogged basin. Crews will respond as resources and storm circumstances allow.

The public is advised to monitor weather reports and street closures in the event of a strong wind or rain storm. Motorists should use caution when driving and anticipate fallen tree limbs and leaves in many locations. You are reminded never to drive around barricades and road closure signs or into standing water.

Leaf depots, where residents can deposit their leaves for a minimal fee, are operating the weekend of November 15-16 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the locations below. The leaves will be recycled into high quality compost at Sunderland Recycling Facility.

• Saturday, November 15, at Floyd Light School and Westmoreland Park

• Sunday, November 16, at Gabriel Park and Lents Park

Season schedule for neighborhood Leaf Depots

• Southwest Portland
• Southeast Portland
• Northeast Portland
• North Portland