Just a couple days after a historic snowstorm blanketed Cinniapolis in nearly two feet of snow, a swift increase in temperatures has caused flooding in sections of the Walesburg and Reunion neighborhoods. Residents are reporting flooding in their basements, backyards, and side streets, in addition to reports of businesses being looted. Many residents are claiming the city drainage system is failing because of the unpleasant smells from the water back-flowing into their basements. Others are reporting gurgling noises from their toilets and other household appliances connected to water lines.

Darma Kirchoff, a resident in the Reunion neighborhood, said, “I’ve lived here for my entire life and never had flooding problems. So, I’ve been lucky in that regard. However, this (flooded basement) is quite an unpleasant chore. I sure hope City Council will provide relief and more assistance to those with property damage as a result of these floods.” Freda Oppo, a resident in the Walesburg neighborhood described the scene in her community, “Most of the streets have puddling or low levels of water but are passable. However, there are a few neighborhood roads where the water is too high to drive through. Everything smells like sewage here,” said. Ms. Oppo. “I’ve seen some storefront windows smashed and broken,” she said regarding reports of looters afoot in Walesburg.

City Manager Justine Wellington provided an update on efforts to assist citizens in heavily flooded areas. “This was a perfect storm, so to speak, between the early season snowstorm, the equipment hiccups, and now the rapid increase in temperature causing flooding. We’re working non-stop to mitigate any further flooding and will begin clean up efforts as soon as water levels diminish where vehicles can freely pass without issue,” she said.

From the electric snow plow failures to unexplained power outages to the now backed up city sewer drains flooding homes, this early season snowstorm has exposed the shortcomings of the current City Council and its Mayor. Mayor Gondola’s extended vacation now coupled with the severe mismanagement throughout this snowstorm will only turn up the volume on calls for a special election to replace him and his administration.