LEAVES CLOG STORM DRAINS, CAUSING DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Leaves clogged storm drains, turning some Cape Girardeau streets into rivers of water during Wednesday's rain.

"It is causing a lot of problems, with all the people who have raked the leaves into the streets," said Assistant Public Works Director Kevin McMeel.

Leaves clogged both flat grates and drain inlets in parts of the city.

About 15 to 20 city workers spent much of the day cleaning away leaves to improve storm drainage.

It rained throughout much of the day. As of 6 p.m., about seven-tenths of an inch of rain had fallen at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

McMeel said residents shouldn't rake their leaves into the street. "It is bad enough when they are on the edge of the street and they get washed into the street by the rain."

The city's leaf pickup service will be in Zone B on Monday and continuing through Nov. 18.

Zone B includes the area north of William, bounded by North West End Boulevard on the east and Highway 61 and West Cape Rock Drive on the west and Bertling Street on the north.