Staff report
State and city road crews are working to clear drains of leaves and debris to eliminate flooding.
With winds forecast to hit 40mph this afternoon, crews are preparing for the potential of downed trees blocking roads and knocking out power.
An estimated four inches-plus of rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida has flooded roads and streets around the county.
Rowan County’s 911 center reported some flooding in in Spencer early today along Sixth Street and South Salisbury Avenue. There were also sporadic reports of trees down around the county.
John Thomason, with the district N.C. Department of Transportation maintenance section, said there were flooded roads all over the county.
Around lunch time, state crews tackled blocked drains on I-85 at the Yadkin River Bridge.
“We have a lot of minor flooding all over the county, mainly leaves (accumulating) in catch basins,” Thomason said. He cited U.S. 29 in Salisbury and Spencer as having more blockages.
Leaves are also the major culprit in the city of Salisbury.
Steve Weatherford, city street division manager, said the major streams that typically flood were still within their banks around noon.
The problem is all the leaves raked into the streets.
Crews were working throughout the days collecting leaves.
Other city crews were on standby to deal with fallen trees and limbs expected this afternoon as winds increase.
Despite the rain and flooded roads, the N.C. Highway Patrol dispatch center reported very few accidents over night or this morning.
The heavy rains claimed at one victim ó the weather station at the Salisbury Fire Department.
Capt. Darrell Nichols said the roof on the building sprung a leak overnight and flooded the weather station.
By 7 p.m. Tuesday, the station recorded 3.14 inches.
Nichols said the overnight total likely boosted the total to over 4 inches.
In the southern end of the county, L.L. Goodnight on Saw Road recorded 3.15 inches through this morning.
Lee Goodnight said rainfall amounts varied widely. A resident a short distance away had 4.24.