East Arizona News

City of Scottsdale issued the following announcement on July 23.

A low pressure system coming from the east late Thursday caused significant flooding and storm damage in Scottsdale. Downed trees and steady rainfall throughout the city have impacted several city facilities, roads and areas.

Crews are working to restore power, clean up debris and ensure safety across the city in the wake of last night’s storm.

Both SRP and APS reported power outages this morning in Old Town and South Scottsdale, which are slowly being restored (check with your utility provided for estimated restoration times).

A flash flood watch remains in effect for Scottsdale and surrounding areas until Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Along with flash flooding, gusty winds and blowing dust are other threats during the weekend's storms.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and city dog parks are closed

The railroad park is closed until further notice due to a substantial number of downed trees. Scottsdale will update the status upon reopening. Additionally, the city’s three dog parks are closed due to wet conditions.

Thursday’s storm also downed trees and damaged structures across the city. Commuters should be aware that debris could be present on streets and sidewalks.

Road closures

The closures include roads and low-lying areas crossing the Indian Bend Wash, a seven-mile flood control greenbelt that runs through the heart of Scottsdale. Drivers should obey traffic signs and should not cross running water or flooded areas. Current closures and other flood-prone streets include:  

• Osborn Road
• Murray Lane at 77th Street
• Medlock Drive at Hayden Road
• Starlight Way at Hayden
• Jackrabbit Road at Hayden
• Pecos Lane at Hayden
• Safeway Plaza entrance, at Hayden, north of Chaparral Road
• Chaparral Park Off Leash Area 
• Chaparral Road Underpass 
• Camelback Park Multiuse Path
• Horizon Park Dog Retention Area
• Eldorado Park
• Roosevelt from Miller to Hayden roads
• 87th Street, south of Thomas Road
• 84th Place, north of Roosevelt Street
• Granite Reef Road, south of Roosevelt
• Gail Road at 83rd Place
• Scottsdale Road, north of Loop 101 Freeway
• Pima Road, north of Pinnacle Peak Road

Be prepared.

Additional rains are expected today. Be prepared. The city offers a variety of safety tips and resources. 

If your property is at risk for flooding, the city offers free sandbags as a courtesy to residents.

Note: due to high demand, sandbag supplies may be depleted - we cannot guarantee availability, but city crews will restock sand and bags as other storm response duties allow.

Locations are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at these locations:

• Parking lot of District 1 Police Headquarters, 7601 E. McKellips Road
• Near the city's north Corporation Yard, 9379 E. San Salvador
• Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Shovels and bags will be provided by the city, but residents are required to fill their own bags. All the supplies and equipment -- sand, bags and shovels -- are located in large roll-off refuse containers at each site. 

• There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
• Sandbags are most effective when placed in front of entry points

Fill the bags one-half to two-thirds full. The bag should lie fairly flat when filled (view this video from Maricopa County Flood Control for more tips)

Here are additional tips to help you stay safe during this summer storm:

Scottsdale Fire rescued several people last night who were trapped inside vehicles in rushing flood waters. Remember, it is never safe to drive across flooded streets; it takes just one foot of moving water to carry a car away and you never know the depth or condition of the road below the water.

During heavy rains, the safest strategy is to stay in place – remain in your home or place of business. Don’t travel unless you must. Obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas.  

Original source can be found here.