Surrey asks residents to clear catch basins, gutters and culverts before weekend rain

The City of Surrey is asking residents to clear leaves, debris and blockages from catch basins, gutters, storm drains, culverts and foundation drains before heavy rain starting Friday and continuing through the weekend.

The advisory, posted on X by the City dated November 4, 2026, says city crews will work to keep roads safe during the storm. It also points residents to flood prevention tips linked from the post.

The City's advice is that downpipes connected to a hole near the foundation likely feed perimeter drains, and excessive flow from those downpipes can flood a house. Directing downpipes onto splash pads so rainfall soaks into the lawn is one fix the City suggests. Blocked foundation drains, which can clog with leaves, pine needles, silt, dirt or roots, are another route to water problems.

The City says clearing debris during a rainstorm can take crews several hours, so residents are being asked to clear what they can on their own property ahead of time. The City's flood page states that the city maintains the full stormwater system, but private property owners are responsible for clearing debris from drains and gutters around their own property.

For context, heavy rain caused flooding in several areas of Surrey on October 19, 2024, with closures on King George Boulevard and Colebrook Road. All roads had re-opened by the City's update that day.