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 two 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.

Rain caused several road closures, including

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

The city’s most important safety message for drivers during these types of situations 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.