Denver has experienced an inordinate amount of rain and storms this spring and early summer, and with these storms, Westerly Creek again climbed over its banks. In fact, it was the second 100 years flood in three years. “It is absolutely remarkable how much rain has been coming in the area,” said meteorologist Fred Johnson. “Westerly Creek was several feet over the banks, and we didn’t expect to see that for another 100 years, since we just had a similar flood.”
In fact, the flooding has been so frequent, that according to city officials, Westerly Creek will be getting a new name. “The name Westerly Creek is now much more associated with the school and the neighborhood,” said City planner Mike Taylor. “So, it doesn’t mean much in accordance with the creek. But, it is constantly flooding, so we thought, let’s just name it what it is, Floody Creek.” The name change won’t officially go through until sometime in late August. Local residents seem to not have an opinion about the change. “It’s not like renaming the Mississippi River,” said resident Liam McFarlane. “I really don’t care what they call that tiny creek. Right now, when someone says Westerly Creek, I assume they are talking about the school.” Lisa Townsend has a similar opinion. “I know it will seem like a weird name at first,” said Townsend. “But, I doubt Westerly Creek sounded good when they first named it either.”
Johnson says they do not expect Floody Creek to flood for another 100 years or more, but we remain in a strange weather cycle. “Based on our predictive analysis, it shouldn’t have flooded this year. But, the weather has been pretty messed up this past few years, so who knows, it could flood tomorrow.”
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