Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Mark Reynolds
Journal staff writer

JOHNSTON -- As the rain washed over local roads, the town's public works department went on patrol today and planned for a 64-hour period of heavy precipitation.

The department's director, Macram Megalli, reported that roads are in good condition so far, but he anticipates problems between now and when rain is expected to taper off on Sunday. At the minimum, a foreman and a few workers will be on duty to deal with any issues, Megalli said.

"We are going to be ready to respond to problem areas," he said.

This morning, workers placed about 20 sandbags along Dyerville Avenue to protect a low-lying area nearby, Megalli said.

Other areas where flooding has been a problem in the past include properties off Harrison Street; lower elevations close to the Pocasset River, off LaFazia Drive and South Bennett Drive; and, Elmgrove Avenue near the Smithfield line.

The state is in the process of building a detention pond that aims to alleviate historic flooding issues along Atwood Avenue, Megalli said.

Flooding hasn't been as much of a problem on Atwood lately.

"It depends on the timing of the storm," Megalli said.

Megalli was headed out on another afternoon patrol.

Meanwhile, Deputy Police Chief Gary Maddocks Jr. reported no weather related emergencies. The town's roads, including Atwood, are clear, he said, speaking around noon.

"We're in good shape as opposed to past years," Maddocks said.

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