BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Many streets in Bakersfield have been flooded by recent rains, forcing drivers to wade across flooded roads and leaving some wondering if the infrastructure is adequate to handle the heavy rainfall.
Bryanna Aguilara, who works at Bakersfield Sports Cards, said the streets around the store were prone to flooding when it rained.
“You have to park very far away, and then you worry about people running into you,” Aguilara said. “It’s inconvenient to park there and have to walk all the way around and then make sure you don’t fall into the puddle.”
According to Aguilara, this is not a recent development either.
“Last winter, it was pretty much the same. It didn’t rain last year, so it wasn’t as bad, but the floods are still always here,” Aguilara said, adding that the city did not take responsibility for the floods.
The city of Bakersfield said the drainage system was reaching capacity when the rainfall was at its peak.
“I think we had record rainfall in our area yesterday (Monday), so we had about two hours or so of capacity in our system yesterday afternoon or evening, and now we’re just dealing with making sure the debris is cleared,” Bakers said. said Joe Conroy, public information officer for the City of Field.
According to Conroy, areas that are still flooded are being treated and crews are working to clear the sewer blockage that Conroy says is causing the blockage.
“We have crews out there using our vacuum trucks to remove any standing water that might be in those areas,” Conroy said.
As for Aguilara, she said the flooded area at her workplace is a safety issue for people trying to park.
“If you think about it, you really can’t jump that far. If you don’t have waterproof shoes, you just have to live with the inconvenience of walking,” Aguilara said.
The City of Bakersfield recommends driving with caution on wet roads and adjusting speeds to conditions rather than relying solely on posted speed limits.