NE Valley Times

An incoming storm system is expected to bring localized rain and wind to Scottsdale. Additionally, upstream rain and snowmelt on the Salt and Verde rivers are filling reservoirs and causing water releases.

Before the storms hit, it is important for residents to be prepared with emergency items, including those that protect property from floodwaters. 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.

These supplies are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at several locations: Parking lot of District 1 Police Headquarters at 7601 E. McKellips Road, near the city's north Corporation Yard at 9379 E. San Salvador, and Solid Waste Transfer Station at 8417 E. Union Hills Drive. Shovels and bags will be provided by the city, but residents are required to fill their own bags. All 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 so that they lie fairly flat when filled.

The city encourages residents to explore alternatives to sandbags that may provide better protection against floodwaters. Flood diversion tubes act much like sandbags but are easier to place and weigh little until filled with water using any common garden hose. 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 through local hardware stores and online retailers.

In Scottsdale, heavy rains and water release can cause the closure of unbridged cross streets along the Indian Bend Wash. Residents should always obey traffic signs and avoid crossing running water or flooded areas. Unbridged Indian Bend Wash crossings include 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; Gail Road at 83rd Place; Scottsdale Road north of Loop 101 Freeway; Pima Road north of Pinnacle Peak Road.

Residents planning to use city parks or recreation areas should call ahead for closure information by contacting the city’s call center at 480-312-3111.

The "Be Ready, Set, Go!" program encourages Arizonans "to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community," "to be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger," and "to GO" evacuate immediately when danger is current and life-threatening.