A heavy, early season storm drenched Eastsound in the morning hours of Sept. 25. Stations in and around Eastsound reported up to 2.2 inches of rain over a two-hour period. Widespread minor flooding followed, with up to 5 inches of standing water in businesses and the post office.

“I’ve been with Public Works for over 30 years and have never seen a rain event like this one,” said Russ Harvey, Public Works Operations Manager.

The heavy storm revealed the limitations of the aging system in Eastsound. Older catch basin grates, which are more prone to clogging, and a lack of curbs and gutters contributed to the flooding.  Public Works is considering newer designs  to handle the flow more efficiently.

There was some good news to report. Historically flooded areas downstream from the recently installed constructed wetland on the Village Green did not suffer any flooding. The new wetland also reduced the amount of water impacting the southern section of North Beach Road. Future connections to the wetland from Rose and Fern streets should reduce the amount of water in Prune Alley if and when the next major storm event occurs.