Heavy rain caused some streets to be covered in standing water and caused temporary street closures. Areas affected include the underpasses at 7th and 9th.

“With the higher river levels expected over the next several weeks, these type of heavy rainfall events will have a bigger impact to our roads and it will take longer for stormwater to drain from lower lying areas. We are addressing areas with street flooding and we will continue to adapt to changing conditions,” said Michelle Klose, Director, Utility Operations.

According to reports from the National Weather Service, rain amounts for last night and this morning total 1.92 inches on the south side of town. The morning rain started with a light rain at about 4:30 a.m., then became a very heavy rain at about 4:50 a.m. (HEAVY RAIN for 50 minutes). Rain continued until about 6 am for a total rain event of about 90 minutes (1.46” during this time with the vast majority of rainfall during that 50 minutes).  An unofficial rain gage reading in the Tyler Parkway area was showing 4.1 inches of rainfall on the north side of town.

With the higher Missouri River levels, the county closes the Tavis Road gate structure to prevent river water from entering the city. With the gate structure closed, rainfall events in south Bismarck must be pumped through the Tavis structure to get out to the Missouri River. The drainage ditch needs to be lowered before the water can be removed from the underpasses and streets.
 
“We appreciate Burleigh County’s support in keeping the pumps running to draw down the ditch levels while the gate is closed,” said Klose.