Church & Market Suffers Major Flooding After Rainstorm

Church & Market Suffers Major Flooding After RainstormFlooding at Market and Church streets. (Photo: Tony C./Hoodline)
Steven Bracco
Published on December 16, 2016

Yesterday's heavy rainstorm didn't just leave parts of the Embarcadero underwater—it also caused flooding at the intersection of Church, Market and 14th streets. 

Last night around 5:15pm, tipster Tony C. alerted us to the flooding, which blocked Market Street going westbound and Church Street northbound, and also affected access to 14th Street driving west on Market, causing traffic backups and delays. SFPUC work crews quickly arrived on scene to help clear out the water. 

Crews work to clear the flooding. | PHOTO: TONY C./HOODLINE

The flooding was caused by "a plastic obstruction blocking the catch basin at that corner," said SFPUC's communication manager, Jean Walsh tells Hoodline "there was a plastic obstruction blocking the catch basin at that corner." Crews were able to clear the catch basin, relieiving the flooding.

According to Walsh, "trash has been a recurring issue in the area," which is why SFPUC has been encouraging locals to take part in the Adopt a Drain program. The program, which launched back in October, allows residents to adopt one or more drains, working to keep them clear of leaves and debris.

(It also comes with the right to give your drain a fun nickname; participants have chosen monikers like "Dwayne the Drain," "The Great Leaf Catcher," or "Puuurple Drainnnn.") 

Drains up for adoption in the vicinity of yesterday's flood. | Image: Adopt a Drain SF

SFPUC's website shows which drains remain available for adoption, and there are plenty available around the area of yesterday's flood. Adoptive drain "parents" receive email alerts when large storms are expected, enabling them to get the drain clear before the rain hits.

Update, 3:40pm: We found some great old photos in the San Francisco Public Library's historical photograph collection that show the same intersection flooding in years past:

Looking up 14th Street on January 21st, 1941. | PHOTO: SFPL
Classic cars wading through the water on April 4th, 1941. | PHOTO: SFPL
Trolley cars backed up on Market and Church streets due to flooding in 1944. | PHOTO: SFPL

Got any photos of yesterday's storm wreaking havoc in the city? Text your shots to 415-200-3233 or email [email protected].