Local flooding – Don’t “leaf” it to chance!

Autumn is here! The clocks have changed and as we move from one season to another, change is firmly in the air – shorter, darker and colder days are ahead and with it so is changeable weather.

The changing colours of the leaves on our trees and plants are certainly an extraordinary sight to behold with rich reds, yellows, oranges and golds currently in abundances across West Sussex.

This colourful season as beautiful as it is can bring its own issues – high winds and heavy rain – which is to be expected at this time of year can turn a kaleidoscope of colour into community chaos.

Local flooding is always a concern and all too often features in local news stories nowadays; freshly fallen autumnal leaves can also add a negative impact locally if the right or, wrong conditions occur.

Councils are already clearing leaves and sweeping roads in preparation for the winter ahead – they are well positioned for this kind of maintenance, when planning and relative calmness allows. However, it is when the elements come together with little warning and there is little or no time to react, that flash flooding can take its toll severely impacting on lives, homes and livelihoods.

So, what can we do to be aware of any potential risk and what should we look for?

Every autumn, our drains become covered with leaves – increasing the likelihood of flooding, by monitoring drains and looking out for potential blockages you can help beat the threat of flooding.  By spending just five minutes raking fallen leaves away from drains you can help prevent leaves blocking drains and do your bit to reduce the likelihood of flooding in your community this autumn.

Please take a look at the following informative video from West Sussex County Council that will give you handy and helpful advice to ensure your community doesn’t leaf it to chance this autumn!

If flooding problems persist after a drain has been cleared of leaves, you can report them by visiting: www.love.westsussex.gov.uk – where you can also download a reporting app for your smartphone.