Scottsdale prepares for heavy rain, flash flooding

Scottsdale residents should prepare for heavy rain, flooded roads and fast-rising washes as multiple rounds of storms move through until Tuesday night.

The city is under a flood watch from midnight Sept. 28 through 9 p.m. Sept. 29, according to a press release from the the City of Scottsdale.

Flash flooding is the main concern, especially if storms repeatedly pass over the same area. Rainfall may be heavier in north and northeast Scottsdale. Ponding on streets could affect both the morning and evening commutes Sept. 29, and isolated strong wind gusts could bring down trees or power lines. Conditions are expected to clear Wednesday.

“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is the city’s most important safety message. Drivers should obey barricades and closure signs, avoid flooded streets and low-water crossings, and allow extra time for travel. Water that looks shallow can hide damaged pavement or be deep enough to sweep away a vehicle.

Heavy rain can quickly fill the Indian Bend Wash and close 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 flood include Scottsdale Road north of Loop 101 and Pima Road north of Pinnacle Peak Road. Residents should watch for standing water, debris and damaged pavement throughout the city.

Stay out of flooded washes and drainage channels and keep children and pets away from moving water. Trails and parks may also close. Before visiting a city park, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve or another recreation area, call the city’s information line at 480-312-3111 to check for weather-related closures.

Scottsdale Emergency Management is monitoring conditions and coordinating with fire, police and other partners. The city will provide updates if conditions change or warnings are issued.

Free sandbags are available while supplies last. Residents can pick up 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.

Both locations are available 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served basis. Shovels are provided, but residents must fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per household. Fill bags one-half to two-thirds full and place them where water could enter a home, such as in front of doors and garages.

Residents should continue to monitor weather forecasts and official city updates as the storms develop.