PALM BAY, Fla. — Palm Bay Public Works crews are hard at work clearing canals as Florida's Space Coast braces for potential flooding from Hurricane Helene.

On Par Avenue, near Babcock Street, teams have been making steady progress to reduce the risk of overflow.

Among the residents watching the efforts closely is Mary Cay Kirn, known in her neighborhood as the “Keeper of the Canal.”

Kirn’s home of seven years sits along the canal, which overflowed during recent storms, bringing floodwaters dangerously close to her garage.

“It got pretty high — as high as that concrete piece with the tubes," she said. "You couldn’t see the tubes anymore. They called me back and they are here today.”

Rain on Wednesday gave residents a glimpse of what may be on the way as Helene draws nearer to Florida’s coast.

While some streets saw minor flooding, traffic remained passable.

During the worst weather of Hurricane Helene, Brevard County is forecast to see up to 50 mph wind gusts and rainfall of 1-3 inches.

Kirn, taking extra precautions, has already trimmed her trees and cleared debris to keep her canal flowing smoothly.

“I’m very appreciative,” she said of the city’s quick response.