City Of Scottsdale: Monsoon 2021 Is Expected To Kick Into Gear This Week

Press release from the City of Scottsdale:

June 29, 2021

We're getting a boost in moisture due in part to Tropical Storm Enrique, located south of the Baja Peninsula. Some of the moisture from that storm is getting pulled up in our monsoon flow, helping to increase thunderstorm chances this week.

Any storms that develop could produce strong winds, blowing dust, pockets of heavy rain and dangerous lightning. There's a chance for storms in the Valley throughout the week. The city offers a variety of safety tips and resources to help you better prepare.

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

Shovels and bags will be provided by the city, but 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 (view this video from Maricopa County Flood Control for more tips) 

While sandbags have been a traditional emergency flood control measure, newer techniques and products are available – and are often more convenient to use and easier to obtain. If your property experiences seasonal flooding, you will find many different alternatives to sandbags: water barriers, water diverters, and flood diversion tubes are available through local hardware stores and online retailers.

Here are additional tips to help you stay safe this monsoon season:

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. Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas. Do not cross running water.

Stay informed:

• Updates will be posted on the city’s website: www.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. 

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 www.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 www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Use caution:

• Don’t travel in heavy rain unless necessary. Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas. Do not cross running water. More car safety tips are available at www.ready.gov/car.

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

• Jackrabbit Road at Hayden

• Pecos Lane at Hayden

Other flood-prone streets include: 

• 87th Street, south of Thomas Road

• 84th Place, north of Roosevelt Street

• Granite Reef Road, south of Roosevelt

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