In just the first two months of the year, crews have cleared more than 13,000 feet of ditches and removed more than 1,600 tons of debris.

TAMPA, Fla. — With hurricane season just over two months away, the city of Tampa is working to get ahead of flooding by aggressively clearing and improving its stormwater system.

City crews are out now re-grading ditches, a process that reshapes and clears them so water can flow more freely during heavy rain. Officials say the goal is simple: keep water moving and prevent it from backing up into streets, neighborhoods, and homes.

So far, the city says progress is moving quickly. In just the first two months of the year, crews have cleared more than 13,000 feet of ditches and removed more than 1,600 tons of debris. That’s double the amount completed during the same time last year.

That work also includes cleaning out stormwater pipes, repairing collapsed areas and removing debris from stormwater ponds — all critical steps to make sure the system can handle Tampa’s intense summer storms and potential tropical weather.

City leaders say this kind of maintenance is key, especially in a region known for sudden, heavy downpours. When ditches and drains become clogged, water has nowhere to go and flooding can happen quickly.

But officials stress the city cannot do it alone.

One of the biggest issues, they say, comes from yard debris being pushed into streets and storm drains, which can block the system and lead to flooding in nearby neighborhoods.

Violations can come with fines, starting at $75 and going up to $450 for repeat offenses.

City leaders are urging residents to properly dispose of yard waste and keep storm drains clear, especially as the region heads into the most active part of the storm season.

Officials say the amount of debris removed so far shows just how significant the issue can be.

“That’s a lot of stuff that can clog up the drainage system and lead to flooding,” said Brandon Campbell with the City of Tampa’s Mobility Department.

The city also offers an online stormwater dashboard where residents can track ongoing and completed work in their area.

The bottom line — officials say preparation now can make a major difference later. Keeping drains clear could help reduce flooding risks when the next big storm moves through Tampa Bay.

10 Tampa Bay also reached out to the City of St. Petersburg to ask about their stormwater preparations, but has not yet received a response.