Marblehead sewer systems weather the storm

By Justin A. Rice, Town Correspondent

Marblehead officials said this afternoon that the town’s drain, water, and sewer systems weathered yesterday’s powerful storm that dumped nearly 6 inches of rain on the North Shore overnight.

“Considering that Marblehead officially recorded 3.8 inches of rain over a period of just a few hours, the town’s infrastructure weathered Tuesday’s storm with relatively few major problems,” a press release crafted by the town’s Water and Sewer Commission said.  

Marblehead’s damage paled compared to its surrounding towns. Yesterday morning, the National Weather Service in Taunton reported that Swampscott received 5.73 inches of rain followed by Peabody with 4.55 inches. Beverly and Salem received 4.3 and 4.23 inches, respectively.

The town's Water and Sewer Commission reported that while several streets flooded because drains were clogged by leaves and other debris, the flood water receded once crews cleared the drains and the land was able to soak the water.

“To prevent street flooding during future storms, the Commission encourages residents to clear the leaves from any drains in front of their homes,” the statement said. “This would be especially helpful now that the trees are beginning to shed their leaves.

“The fact that most of the flooded streets were clear by midafternoon is a testament to the cooperation between residents and crews from several town departments.  Their efforts kept damage to a minimum.”

Justin A. Rice can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com.