It’s official, Nashville residents watched as a 138-year-old record got washed away in February of 2019. A total of 13.47 inches of rain fell over the 28-day period drowning the previous top mark of 12.37 inches that fell in 1880. The new February record is also the seventh wettest month recorded all-time according to the National Weather Service.
The joke about introducing an ark as a mass transit solution in order to alleviate Nashville’s escalating traffic issues may be a bit too close to reality. With rivers, streams and tributaries spilling over their banks to road ways, sustained heavy volumes of rain will encroach on more than just your commute. Storm water drainage has become a much more serious topic in middle Tennessee due to lessons learned during the epic Nashville floods of 2010.
Most cities have storm drainage plans based on studies and empirical data amassed over a period of time and Nashville is no different. However, most homeowners don’t have such a resource. In fact, showings of houses to perspective buyers usually are in the best weather conditions. Maybe buyers should wait for rainy days to check out in person just how well a home deflects water?
High levels of rain in relatively small timeframes continue to be the culprit when preparing for storm water and how it drains. Storm water will find a path of least resistance and once land has been altered by large volumes of water, it may never be the same. So what can you do to prepare for wet weather regarding your home?
- Keep you gutters clean. By now, all PMC properties should have had rain gutters cleaned of leaves and debris. This is important as clogged gutters can back up or pull away from homes which leads to storm water potentially entering walls at room levels.
- Making sure that downspouts have extenders attached that can distribute storm water away from foundations. Whether you have a basement or the home is located on a crawlspace or concrete pad – do whatever possible to keep water away from the home. Downspouts can be found at most home imrovement stores and are less than $25. And most important, they can be installed easily and immediately.
- Read up on storm water management. Nashville.gov has some fantastic tips on what can be done including the use of rain barrels and rain gardens to redistribute water as a resource in dryer times.
- Know your home. Take the time to check your home including the foundation, attic, windows and all external downspouts and drains. Keep them clear of debris and watch for wear that causes leaks, cracks or splits. Again, water usually follows the path of least resistance.
The Property Management Connection can be contacted at info@pmcnashville.com for storm water related questions. If you are a tenant, please send pictures of storm water related damage to tenants@pmcnashville.com.
