Ice Storm Debris Could Add To Flooding Problems

Severe weather can certainly cause flooding.  City of Tulsa officials say ice storm debris could also be a contributing factor.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports authorities are on the lookout for limbs that could block run-off from creek beds.

They say if they are not removed, and if we get as much rain and snow as we are supposed to, they could become a major flood risk.

Alex Portillo says the December ice storm decimated the creek behind his home, near 47^th and Louisville.

"The whole neighborhood looks awful.  Branches all over.  The big tree that was over there fell off," said Alex Portillo of Tulsa.

Residents say the creek was completely covered with trees, with limbs, all sorts of debris immediately after the ice storm.  But, the city was able to remove almost all of it.

"The city's been doing a good job cleaning, and they already removed everything, well almost everything," said Alex Portillo of Tulsa.

Ideally, Tulsa would like all of its creeks to look like the one near 47th and Louisville.  The city was in charge of the cleanup effort here.  But, there are also miles of creeks on private land, and homeowners are responsible for getting limbs out of those.  And, with a big storm moving into the area, officials are urging everyone to keep their creeks clear.

"They can't be throwing their branches in the creek because it causes obstructions that could cause flooding upstream from it," said Rory Foster with Tulsa's Department of Public Works.

Despite its worries, Tulsa may be in better shape than smaller, surrounding communities.

Limbs continue to block run-off in towns like Sand Springs.  The city says it is now working to clear that debris.

In Tulsa, officials are asking nicely, but homeowners who continue to neglect their creeks could actually be in trouble.      

"That's a violation of two city ordinances.  One is a pollution ordinance.  The other is the nuisance ordinance," said Rory Foster with Tulsa's Department of Public Works.

If you are cited for violating those ordinances, the city says you could face a $1,000 fine.

Homeowners who are not able to clear debris out of creeks by themselves can call the Mayor's Action Center for help.  That number is 596-2100.  The city says it will come out to your home, inspect the creek, and see what it can do to help.