We are seeing strong rain storms of late, and combined with hurricane season, it's a recipe for damaging flooding.

  • Brevard County workers cleaning brush, muck from waterways
  • Creeks, canals and culverts can flood in heavy rain if not clear

Brevard County workers are out and about, doing some heavy duty cleaning to ward off high waters.

On Wednesday, one large scoop at a time, a huge back hoe removed muck and brush from Melbourne's Crane Creek.

It's a welcome sight for neighbors like Dan Nolin who live along the waterway, which is prone to flooding during hurricanes and strong storms.

"It gets real bad, it comes up to the house," Nolin said. "They need to do what they are doing right now."  

It's tedious work.

The creek is overrun with weeds, pepper trees and downed tree limbs left behind by previous storms.

"It's all piled up with sticks," Nolin said.

Canals, creeks and culverts must be clear and flowing to take on heavy rainfall and a hurricane.

Brevard County workers consistently clear ditches year round, a proactive approach to prepare for Florida's hurricane season.

Which is fine by Nolin, who says the hard work will pay off for homeowners whose property could be in harm's way.

"You can actually see water moving now," he said.

Officials encourage residents to let the county know if any ditches on county-owned property need clearing.