Stormwatch Program has begun. The Denver severe weather season is shifting from snow to rain storms. The summer thunderstorm season brings on a Public Works program to monitor weather conditions and provide the Public Works Manager advanced warning of possible severe weather conditions that may require emergency response.

Flooding is the main focus of the program. Summer storms can generate precipitation at rates and durations that can cause localized flooding. The Denver storm system is intended to handle a storm of 1 inch in 1 hour. These storms are carried in the curbs and pipe systems. Rain in excess of this rate can cause localized flooding.   Storms with higher rain potential may require staff to respond to clogged inlets and trash racks during the event.  Wastewater Management crews are on-duty in the summer months to respond keep facilities in operation.  The Stormwatch Duty Officer monitors the  Flood Potential  by evaluating  the depth of rain predicted and the percentage chance of occurrence for a given time period.  If the Flood Potential is high, certain levels of flooding and/or flash flooding may be anticipated and so appropriate actions can be implemented.

The Stormwatch program is intended to provide weather monitoring for the PW Manager and City Engineer in determining the opening of the Emergency Operations Center to respond to a Flood Emergency.  The resources for the Duty persons will include Cell Phones, Pagers and 1 laptop to share for the watch period.   The focus of the program is to watch and log the weather for the Manager of Public Works and the City Engineer.

  Public Works and Wastewater Duty Officers watch for severe weather forecasts

  •         Staff alert the Public Works Manager and City Engineer of forecasted weather impacts, assist in staffing  EOC to monitor storm conditions during emergency response.

•         Wastewater and Public Works staff provide field staff response for high wind, tornado, and heavy rain events.

The Urban Drainage and Flood Control District sponsors a weather prediction program to help emergency managers in the seven county area be aware of  possible storms.

Internet Sites of Interest for Weather Information