From staff reports:

With seriously wet weather expected in the forecast, the City of Federal Way is reminding residents to rake up falling leaves as much as possible in order to keep storm drains clear and flowing.

Surface Water Management crews are tasked with keeping the city’s 12,000 catch basins clear, but one large weather event can quickly overwhelm even that experienced crew.

The city advises that “adopting a catch basin in your neighborhood can help the city’s five surface water maintenance staff keep up with winter storms.” All that “adoption” takes is for neighborhood residents to keep an eye on storm drains and removing any debris. Any material collected this way can be disposed of in yard waste containers or compost bins.

Homeowners can help keep neighborhood drains clear by raking up leaves and other material in their yards and disposing of them properly, the city notes.

Learn more

• For the latest Federal Way weather report, click here.

• If flooding is severe or residents are unable to clear the drain, they are urged to contact Public Works at (253) 835-2700 during business hours or at (800) 400-0749 after hours. More information about the Surface Water Management division can be found at www.cityoffederalway.com/SWM.