Flash floods reported throughout city
By: John Upton
Examiner Staff Writer
October 19, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO — Sewers overloaded and drains clogged in heavy rain Monday afternoon, causing flash flooding throughout The City.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission day crews were working overtime at 5:15 p.m. in an effort to unclog drains that were leading to flooded intersections, according to SFPUC spokesman Tyrone Jue.
Flooding caused by overloaded sewers was subsiding without the assistance of SFPUC crews as water pressure in the drains returned to normal, according to Jue.
Amateur video showed dilute sewage spraying out of the sewer system at the corner of Powell and Francisco streets, according to Jue.
After flooding has subsided, SFPUC crews will inspect affected drains, according to Jue.
The Laurel Heights neighborhood was badly affected by flash floods, according to Jue.
Van Ness Station was flooded and closed Monday, throwing peak hour Muni services into havoc.
San Francisco’s sewer and storm water systems are combined, which can cause the system to overload and overflow during storms.
