I bought a micro vacuum attachment set some years back that allows me to reach into this area on both sides to vacuum out any debris that collects. The set includes enough attachments that I can get in thru the "fingers" along the edge of the cowl. And so far, I haven't had any issues with water coming into the DS or PS footwells.

But I also hardly ever leave the car outside uncovered when the pine pollen wreaks havoc around here every spring. And if it does happen to get caught outside uncovered, I usually have a plastic grocery bag stuffed on each side covering the "fingers" to keep debris from gaining entry under the cowling. Simple solution - it works - and doesn't cost me anything!

Later, Dennis E.