Scottsdale urges residents to prepare for heavy rain and weekend flood risk

Scottsdale residents are encouraged to prepare for additional rain and possible flooding as two weather systems move through the Phoenix area Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1.

The National Weather Service has issued flood watches covering Scottsdale and the Phoenix metropolitan area Friday through the afternoon and again Saturday evening through late Sunday night.

Friday’s showers and thunderstorms could produce localized rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with rainfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in stronger storms. A second weather system is expected to bring another round of widespread rain Saturday night through Sunday, with additional totals of 1 to 2 inches possible across the watch area.

Rain falling on already wet ground could increase runoff and flooding in washes, low-water crossings and other flood-prone areas. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding. Residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if warnings are issued.

Plan ahead for Halloween and weekend activities

Showers are forecast to return Saturday night and continue Sunday. Residents planning Halloween activities, outdoor gatherings or recreation should check the latest forecast before heading out and have an indoor backup plan.

If thunder develops, move inside a substantial building or enclosed vehicle. Avoid washes and low-lying areas, even when rain is falling elsewhere.

Stay safe during heavy rain

The city’s top safety message is simple: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never drive through flooded roadways or attempt to cross moving water.

Motorists should:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain.
• Obey all road closure signs and barricades.
• Stay away from low-water crossings and flooded streets.
• Never attempt to drive through running water, even if it appears shallow.

Heavy rainfall can quickly fill the Indian Bend Wash, resulting in temporary closures of 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 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 heading out to check for weather-related closures.

Sandbags available while supplies last

For residents concerned about flooding, the city provides complimentary sand and bags at two self-service locations. Supplies are available 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability cannot be guaranteed.

Sandbag locations include:

• District 1 Police Headquarters, 7601 E. McKellips Road
• Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Shovels, sand and bags are provided, but residents must fill their own sandbags. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.

Fill bags one-half to two-thirds full and place them in front of doors, garage openings and other entry points where water may enter. Complete preparations before heavy rain begins, when it is safe to do so.

Consider flood protection alternatives

Residents whose properties are prone to flooding may also want to consider flood diversion tubes, portable flood barriers and water-absorbent cushions available through hardware stores and online retailers.

Choose products suited to your property and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Prepare for additional rain

Residents are encouraged to follow Arizona’s “Ready, Set, Go!” emergency preparedness program by taking steps before severe weather develops.

Simple ways to prepare include:

• Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, medications and other essential supplies.
• Create a family communication plan.
• Charge cellphones and other electronic devices.
• Secure loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas and Halloween decorations.
• Keep storm drains near your property clear of leaves and debris when it is safe to do so.
• Monitor weather alerts throughout the weekend.

For updated forecasts and weather alerts, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.