Latest Storm Brings Rain, Flooding

Despite rising water, no major damage

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Sep 17, 2012 at 6:46 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 17, 2012 at 6:46 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It wasn't the wind cleanup crews had to worry about with the latest storm; it was the rain. Debris from downed trees blocked drainages and flooded Chester Creek.

The rising water turned some cyclists into swimmers. One man hoisted his bike over his head and ran through the water on the bike path near Valley of the Moon Park. When the water reached his chest he shouted, "I wasn't expecting it to be this deep!"

The city says the flooding may have been an inconvenience but was relatively minor.

"I'm unaware of any major residential flooding that's going on. We do have some isolated areas in some subdivisions where the storm systems were a little slow taking it, but everything is working at this time," said Paul Vanlandingham, general foreman of operations for the City Street Maintenance Division.

Vanlandingham said crews have been working 24-7 to clear the debris and lower the water level at Westchester Lagoon so rising waters won't be an issue if the rain continues.

"We opened the flood gate yesterday morning and what it does is help relieve the pressure on Chester Creek from Westchester Lagoon. It drains in conjunction with the natural spillway," said Vanlandingham.

Crews got a break from the weather on Monday so they were able to get caught up with the cleanup. But the clear skies will be short-lived with more rain expected through the rest of the week.

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