CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After rounds of heavy rain this week, streams and creek water levels remain below flood levels.
Why were waterways mostly able to keep up with this week’s rain? WCNC Charlotte meteorologist KJ Jacobs explains.
Some 2 to 7+ inches of rain fell within the span of the last seven days across Mecklenburg County. The typography of the area plays a key role in lessening the rain's impact on neighborhoods located near waterways.
“The streams, most of them originate here and flow out, so we’re at the headwaters of all these creeks," John Wendel with Charlotte Storm Water Services said. "So, when it rains the creeks come up real fast, but once that rain stops, they come down fast once that water moves downstream.”
Wendel said higher water levels can last a little longer along the Catawba River since it comes from upstream.
“After the big heavy rain event like last weekend, a lot of debris starts to flow through our creek system," Wendel said. "And a lot of it gets caught at the culverts and some of the roads and starts to get backups and starts to get blockage.”
Clearing the blockage can help reduce the impact of flooding by allowing water to keep flowing ahead of the next storm system.
It’s always important to stay weather aware of changes in water levels, especially when flooding can be impactful to life and property.
Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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