Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today reminds citizens to stay alert to the possible heavy rain predicted to reach the region this evening. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch from 6:00 p.m. today until 8:00 a.m. Friday. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are expected, with localized spots potentially getting up to a foot of rain.

Trash and loose debris should be secured at all times. Loose material can end up entering and clogging storm drains, leading to flooding. Leaves have also begun to fall and can become a source of storm inlet blockage. Please make every attempt to rake, mulch and bag your leaves before the storm. Sweeping leaves and trash from sidewalks, alleys and gutters will keep this material out of the drains.

Examine the storm drain inlet near your home or business now. Sweep and bag leaves and trash you may find at these storm drain inlets along your curb or in your alley.  If the drain appears to be blocked by debris, please call 311 now so that DPW crews can address it. Please do not park on top of the drain inlet.

Be aware of possible rising water along streams and in low-lying areas. Blocked storm drains may increase the potential for flooding at these locations.

Please follow the storm's progress in the local media. Be especially mindful that power outages caused by storms can lead to water pumping interruptions, so always have bottled water on hand.

For more information on how to prepare for bad weather, visit the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management's website at http://emergency.baltimorecity.gov/.