KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC) is currently responding to over 100 downed trees in the area due to severe storms and power outages Tuesday night.
According to the commission, when a large amount of rainfall occurs, it affects road conditions as well as potentially delaying construction projects.
As a result of storms Tuesday and the possibility of more outages Wednesday, the commission is providing the public with some basic storm response tips.
- Water over the Road/Storm Drainage: It is common to find standing water in the roadway with large amounts of rainfall. Do not drive into high water. If possible, turn around. Storm drains are often unable to manage the quantity of rain that falls during heavy rains and/or storms. In some areas this may only be for a brief time, in other areas pending weather may take a few days. A blocked storm drain is a common cause of street and/or yard flooding. If you have a catch basin in front of, or near, your home, make sure the opening remains free of leaves, sticks, rocks and/or other debris.
- Washout: It is also common to find road shoulder washout areas with large amounts of rainfall. Shoulder areas are eroded by water, especially as it flows to the natural low areas.
- Trees: During rain and windy conditions, trees and branches become heavy and their strength compromised. Trees may impact the traveled portion of roadways. Be aware of sagging or broken wires in trees as it can still be “live” with a deadly amount of electricity. In these cases, RCKC must wait for utility company assistance. When possible, RCKC teams have moved fallen trees outside of the road right-of-way to the adjacent property, clearing the traveled portion of our roads for the safety of the public.
The relocated trees from the roadway will be left for the property owner’s use and/or disposal, except in those instances where RCKC holds title to the entire road right-of- way (typically in platted/subdivision areas).
A pink flag will be left near the relocated tree informing property owners to contact the RCKC within fifteen (15) days for tree removal options. The property owner may submit a service request that the fallen tree moved by the RCKC, county, municipal or township police, fire, emergency or public utility personnel be cut and stacked adjacent to the public right-of-way, or may request that it be removed.
The RCKC will return to address the relocated tree as prioritized within other RCKC operations. Trees and brush that were not relocated by emergency personnel are the property owner’s responsibilities.
For any further questions, see the Roadside Vegetation Management Policy at www.kalamazoocountyroads.com.
