Tucson Monsoon Prep: Sandbags Available Now

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson smashed an old record for July 9 rainfall as the monsoon season, with 1.01 inches by 5 p.m., more than a quarter of an inch more than the old record of 0.74 inch in 1932. In a tweet, the National Weather Service in Tucson said rain was expected to continue overnight, but storms “shouldn’t be anything strong.” Dust storm advisories have been canceled as well.

The monsoon season, which runs through Sept. 30, is expected to be wetter and warmer than average, according to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center. Rainfall totals are expected to vary across the region

Monsoon season can bring flooding, and the city of Tucson has set up a self-serve sandbag site in the east parking lot of Hi Corbett Field, 700 S. Randolph Way at Reid Park. Residents and businesses can fill sandbags around the clock. The city provides the bags, but not the shovel, so bring your own. A 10-bag limit is set on sand.

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Another site has been set up in the north parking lot of the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. Hours are 4-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and a 10-bag limit has been set. City transportation workers will be on hand to help load bags.

In Marana, residents can pick up as many as 10 pre-filled sandbags from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at El Rio Open Space, 10050 N. Coachline Blvd., or at Marana Heritage River Park, 122780 N. Heritage Park Drive.

In Oro Valley, sandbags are available at Naranja Park, 810 W. Naranja Drive. There’s a limit of 10 bags per vehicle at this fill-your-own station. Pre-filled bags are available for those who need assistance. Just contact Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov or (520) 229-4711.

In Cochise County, sandbags are available at multiple locations. You’ll need to bring your own shovel, but bags are provided and can be found inside a metal drum next to the sand.

The locations and hours of operation are:

Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Bisbee Roadyard, 1229 Hereford Road;
• Douglas Roadyard, 3665 N. Leslie Canyon Road;
• Willcox Roadyard, 500 W. Railroad Ave.;
• Benson Roadyard, 901 E. Fourth St.;
• Elfrida Roadyard, 3988 W. Thompson Road.

Monday-Thursday, limited hours

Cochise County Hereford Pit Material Yard, one-half mile East of Y Lightning Road; make arrangements by calling (520) 432-9300.

Around-the-clock availability

• Coronado Lakes Estates (Douglas), located off Cipriano Drive at the water tanks;
• Willow Lakes Subdivision (Benson), at the water tank;
• Elfrida Fire Department, 10293 N. Central Highway;
• Whetstone Fire District, 2422 N. Firehouse Lane, Whetstone;
• Palominas Fire (Hereford Station), 10202 E. Highway 92;
• Palominas Fire (Miracle Valley Station) 9695 E. Highway 92;
• Palominas Fire (Palominas Station) 9903 S. Palominas Road;
• Portal Area, intersection of Foothills and Portal Road;
• Bowie Area, 766 W. Business Loop off Interstate 10.

Photo via Shutterstock