Stormwater and Heavy Rain: What's Normal and When to Report a Concern

Published on October 01, 2026

Heavy Rain

During the rainy season, heavy rainfall puts extra stress on our stormwater system. When an area experiences heavy rainfall within a short period of time, there may be pooling or flooding from rainwater on the roadway.

In rare cases, this may be an indicator that maintenance is needed, like a clogged or blocked pipe, but temporary pooling during heavy rain is often a normal part of how the stormwater system works. During intense rainfall, it may take longer for roads and ditches to drain. Understanding what is normal and when to report a concern can help keep Dunedin’s stormwater system working effectively.

Tips to Keep in Mind During Heavy Rains

  • Roads, streets, gutters and ditches are part of the stormwater system and are used to transport water during rains to storm drains.
  • Temporary pooling, up to 12 hours, during intense storms is normal.
  • Once a storm has passed and it is no longer raining, if water remains for more than 12 hours, Public Services should be notified so the team can investigate.
  • If you live in a low-lying coastal area and a high tide is accompanied by an intense rain event, it will take longer for water to move out of roadways and into the stormwater system.
  • Properly dispose of yard waste, clippings and leaves. Do not blow them into the road or drainage system, where they can clog storm drains.
  • Report any sediment in the roadway, such as sediment from construction sites, to help keep our drainage system working smoothly for everyone.

Keeping the Stormwater System Flowing

Be assured, we check the stormwater system and “hot spots” before the rains begin, and when we find areas with water remaining after a reasonable amount of time to drain, we do all we can to get the problem resolved.

The Public Services team works year-round to keep water flowing, using tools like a Vactor truck to clear debris from pipes, the CCTV (camera inspection) truck to inspect and identify issues before they become emergencies, and the street sweeper to help prevent sediment and debris from entering storm drains.

Report a Stormwater Concern

If you have a stormwater concern, report it to Dunedin Public Services by emailing Stormwater@dunedin.gov or calling 727-298-3232. We will respond and investigate the area you have reported.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to report what you’re seeing. Together, we can keep Dunedin flowing!

 

 

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