ATLANTA — Atlanta crews are clearing storm drains and preparing water treatment plants as the city gets ready for Isaias and the threat of heavy rain and flooding.
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At the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant in northwest Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Greg Eyerly says all of the city’s water treatment plants have fueled backup generators ready to go.
Eyerly expects the plants to remain fully operational through the storm.
Watershed Management crews have been clearing trash and debris from storm drains since Wednesday to help prevent water from backing up and overflowing during heavy rain.
“Our crews, we’ve been out cleaning hot spots where there’s flooding that occurs often,” Eyerly says.
Maintenance workers, electricians and other essential personnel will remain on duty and shelter in place as the storm moves through Atlanta.
“So we are ready to roll, and we will operate in this mode until the storm passes,” Eyerly says.
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The city has also stocked its water treatment plants with the chemicals needed to continue operations. Staff members will monitor the facilities and flood-prone areas throughout the city.
Eyerly says residents should expect some localized flooding but emphasized that the treatment plants are built to withstand severe weather.
“We have backup power,” Eyerly said. “Also, we have additional equipment in case something goes down. That’s why it’s so important to continue to invest in our infrastructure. It’s times like these when they have to be resilient.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens encourages residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, bring in pets and brace for power outages. “When that amount of rain comes in, the ground softens and trees may fall, which may snap power lines, so begin charging devices now,” he said.
City officials are urging residents to stay off the roads during periods of heavy rain and never attempt to drive through flooded areas.
Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
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