East Bay cities prepare for the first big storm of the season

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- East Bay cities had crews clearing storm drains and doing other prep work before Wednesday's rain moved in.

The City of Walnut Creek spent the past two weeks trying to get ahead of things before the first big storm of the season arrived. That's why the city had one of its big vacuum trucks out Wednesday, clearing leaves, dirt and other debris out of storm sewers.

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Walnut Creek Public Works Director Rich Payne tells ABC7 News, "crews have been out cleaning up debris racks in all the waterways. In addition we've been inspecting and cleaning all the catch basin inlets throughout the city."

That's to make sure that storm sewers can carry rain water at full capacity. He says letters have also been sent to Walnut Creek residents asking them to keep an eye out for clogged storm drains, and help keep them clear if they can.

But, some homeowners had their own properties to worry about. We caught up with Greg Nelson as he was filling sandbags provided by the city at Heather Farm Park. His backyard has poor drainage and tonight he expects, "on nights, probably like tonight it will be three, four, five inches deep."

He filled about six bags with sand to keep the standing water contained and vowed next year to take care of the drainage problem.

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