City of Fresno crews preparing for rain

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With rain in the forecast crews across the city of Fresno are clearing out streets and testing water pumps in case of any flooding.

Public works crews test out one of the city's 20 water pumps in Fresno. Officials say the 70 year old system works great -- flushing water out of a flood-prone Belmont Avenue underpass, and into a ponding basin next door.

Fresno's city works department is trying to get prepped for this week's storm by testing every water pump, checking basins, and clearing out debris on roads.

The city of Fresno is also urging people to clear the gutters outside their home to prevent any residential street flooding.

Our warm fall weather has actually helped the crews -- especially when it comes to street sweeping.

Fresno Public Works Manager Brian Russell explained, "The fact that we really haven't got into a lot of cold weather yet the leaves are still on the trees. So what we call our leaf season hasn't really started yet so we're in good shape we can handle quite a bit of rainfall and we'll take all we can get."

People have been coming into Fresno Ag Hardware to get everything from rakes and bags to clear leaves, to tarps and pumps.

Kevin Seubert with Fresno Ag Hardware said, "Tarps have grommets around the edges and they have sowing and they're stronger but the poly sheeting, polyethylene they're less expensive, cover more square footage for less money."

Most of their shoppers, though, will come in last minute. Seubert says they've stocked up on everything rain-related to make sure they have what people need.

Seubert suggests making sure you're prepared, so your home and belongings stay ahead of the storm.