Monsoon Weather Finally Expected This Week In Scottsdale

Press release from the City of Scottsdale:

July 21, 2020

Although the monsoon season officially started June 15, we still haven’t seen it roll in. According to the National Weather Service, that’s about to change, and we should see rain and thunderstorms this week.

Prepare now so you know what actions you should take:

Sandbags:

If your property is at risk for flooding, the city offers free sandbags. Both sand and bags are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at these locations:

• Parking lot of District 1 Police Headquarters, 7601 E. McKellips Road
• Near the city's north Corporation Yard, 9379 E. San Salvador
• Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Residents are required to fill their own bags. All the supplies and equipment -- sand, bags and shovels -- are located in large roll-off refuse containers at each site.

• There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
• Sandbags are most effective when placed in front of entry points
• Fill the bags one-half to two-thirds full. The bag should lie fairly flat when filled.

Here are additional tips to help you stay safe:

• During heavy rains, the safest strategy is to stay in place – remain in your home or place of business.
• Don’t travel unless you have to. Follow these car safety tips: ready.gov/car.
• Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas.
• Do not cross running water.

Stay informed:

• Updates will be posted on the city’s website: ScottsdaleAZ.gov
• Updates will also be shared on city Twitter accounts: @ScottsdalePD, @ScottsdaleFire and @ScottsdaleAZgov.
• The city’s call center at 480-312-3111 is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays to answer questions and share storm information.
• Call ahead if you're planning to use city parks, the preserve and recreation areas.

Be prepared:

• Put together a simple supplies kit with basics like flashlights, batteries and bottled water. For more details on what you need and how to put together a kit, visit ready.gov/kit.
• Make sure you have a plan to communicate with your family and loved ones during a storm. Get more information on creating a plan at ready.gov/plan.

In Scottsdale, heavy rains can cause the Indian Bend Wash to fill with water and close unbridged cross streets. Always obey traffic signs and do not try to cross running water or flooded areas. Unbridged Indian Bend Wash crossings include:

• Roosevelt from Miller to Hayden roads
• Osborn Road
• Murray Lane
• Oak Street at 77th Street
• Medlock Drive at Hayden Road
• Starlight Way at Hayden
• Jackrabbit Road at Hayden
• Pecos Lane at Hayden
• Safeway Plaza entrance, at Hayden, north of Chaparral Road

Other flood-prone streets include:

• 87th Street, south of Thomas Road
• 84th Place, north of Roosevelt Street
• Granite Reef Road, south of Roosevelt
• Gail Road at 83rd Place
• Scottsdale Road, north of Loop 101 Freeway
• Pima Road, north of Pinnacle Peak Road

This press release was produced by the City of Scottsdale. The views expressed here are the author’s own.