Heavy rain causes flash flooding across Scottsdale

Flash flooding hit parts of Scottsdale on Wednesday, Sept. 16, as thunderstorms dropped between 1.4 and nearly 3 inches of rain across northern portions of the city, inundating roads and stranding motorists.

Scottsdale Fire and Phoenix technical rescue crews responded near Loop 101 and Raintree Drive after several vehicles became stranded in approximately 2 feet of standing water. Crews assisted the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which used a four-wheel-drive vehicle to push the vehicles out of the flooded area. No injuries were reported.

Significant flooding also affected WestWorld and the city’s Water Campus, prompting the cancellation of Wednesday evening’s Water Citizen Academy.

The National Weather Service warned that additional rainfall could worsen flooding on roads, in underpasses and across low-lying areas. Conditions can change quickly as runoff fills washes and drainage areas.

Current road closures include:

• Scottsdale Road between Grayhawk Drive and Deer Valley Road
• 83rd Street at Pinnacle Peak Road
• Hayden Road at Medlock Drive

Drivers should expect additional closures and delays as conditions change. Do not drive around barricades or enter a flooded roadway.

The city’s most important safety message is simple: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Even shallow-looking water can conceal damaged pavement or be deep enough to sweep away a vehicle. Drivers should:

• Obey all road closure signs and barricades.
• Avoid washes, low-water crossings, underpasses and flooded streets.
• Never attempt to drive through moving water.
• Allow extra time and use an alternate route when flooding is reported.
• Watch for standing water, debris and damaged pavement.

Heavy rainfall can quickly fill the Indian Bend Wash, resulting in temporary closures at several unbridged crossings, including Roosevelt Street, Osborn Road, Murray Lane, Oak Street at 77th Street, Medlock Drive, Starlight Way, Jackrabbit Road, Pecos Lane and the Safeway Plaza entrance north of Chaparral Road along Hayden Road.

Other areas that frequently experience flooding include:

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

Residents should stay out of flooded washes and drainage channels and keep children and pets away from moving water. Those planning to visit city parks, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or other recreation areas should call the city’s information line at 480-312-3111 before leaving to check for weather-related closures.

Sandbags available while supplies last

The city provides complimentary sand and bags at two self-service locations:

• McKellips Police District, 7601 E. McKellips Road
• Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Supplies are available 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability cannot be guaranteed during periods of high demand.

Shovels, sand and bags are provided, but residents must fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per household. Bags should be filled one-half to two-thirds full and placed in front of doors, garages and other locations where water could enter a home.

Residents should continue monitoring weather forecasts and official city communications as additional storms develop.