Heavy rains moved through Scottsdale and the Valley Sept. 26, bringing flash flood warnings and prompting temporary road closures.

Gusty winds and pockets of heavy rainfall remain possible through the weekend.

Residents are urged to remain alert and prepared as the storm system continues to pass through Arizona.

Closures

Due to flooding conditions, Pinnacle Peak Park, as well as all city dog parks and sports fields will remain closed through Sunday, Sept. 28. For weekend updates on Bell 94, Reata and Scottsdale Sports complexes, call 480-312-PLAY.

Safety first
The safest strategy during heavy rain is to stay put – remain in your home or business and avoid travel unless necessary. Never attempt to cross running water, whether on foot or by car.

In Scottsdale, flooding often impacts the Indian Bend Wash, which can quickly fill with storm runoff and close unbridged cross streets. Motorists should obey all warning signs and avoid the following unbridged crossings:

• Roosevelt from Miller to Hayden roads
• Osborn Road
• Murray Lane
• Oak Street at 77th Street
• Medlock Drive at Hayden Road
• Starlight Way at Hayden Road
• Jackrabbit Road at Hayden Road
• Pecos Lane at Hayden Road
• Safeway Plaza entrance at Hayden Road, 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 Street
• Gail Road at 83rd Place
• Scottsdale Road, north of Loop 101
• Pima Road, north of Pinnacle Peak Road

Sandbags and availability

Some residents in Scottsdale rely on sandbags to protect their homes from storm flooding. The city provides both sand and bags as a courtesy to residents. However, demand is typically high during storms, and the city cannot guarantee availability of complimentary sand and bags to everyone.

Supplies are currently available on a first-come, first-served basis at Scottsdale’s Water Campus, located at 88th Street & Union Hills Drive. Bags are provided, but residents must bring a shovel and fill their own.

Flood diversion tubes act much like sandbags to block floodwater from entering homes. The tubes are easy to place and weigh little until they are filled with water. Any common garden hose attaches, making the flood diversion barrier simple to fill.  

Other options include transportable flood fence barriers and water absorbent cushions. 

Residents whose properties are subject to seasonal flooding are encouraged to explore these alternatives to sandbags through local hardware stores and online retailers.  

Be prepared

Residents can take steps now to prepare for additional storms:

• Supplies: Have flashlights, batteries and bottled water ready. Visit ready.gov/kit for more tips.
• Family communication: Plan with loved ones. Guidance is available at ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Use caution outdoors

Call ahead before visiting city parks, preserves or recreation areas, as closures may remain in effect. The city’s call center at 480-312-3111 will have the latest information.

Above all, stay safe, be prepared and never underestimate the power of fast-moving water.