A slow-moving storm system will continue to bring showers and thunderstorms into Scottsdale Thursday afternoon into night with showers lingering into Friday, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
 
The city offers a variety of safety tips and resources to help you better prepare.
 
Sandbags:
If your property is at risk for flooding, the city offers free self-service sandbag stations. Both sand and bags are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at these locations: 
 
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.
 
Here are additional tips to help you stay safe:
  • During heavy rains, the safest strategy is to stay in place – remain in your home or place of business.
  • Don’t travel unless you have to. Follow these car safety tips: Ready.gov/car.
 
Do not drive around barriers to cross flooded streets – obey all signs and avoid low-lying areas:
In Scottsdale, heavy rains can cause the Indian Bend Wash to fill with water and close unbridged cross streets. Always obey traffic signs and do not try to cross 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
Jackrabbit Road at Hayden
Pecos Lane at Hayden
Safeway Plaza entrance, at Hayden, 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
 
Stay informed:
  • Updates will be posted on the city’s website:  ScottsdaleAZ.gov
  • Updates will also be shared on city Twitter accounts: @ScottsdalePD, @ScottsdaleFire and @ScottsdaleAZgov.
  • The city’s call center at 480-312-3111 is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays to answer questions and share storm information.
  • Call ahead if you’re planning to use city parks, the preserve and recreation areas – many are closed during wet weather.
  • Visit the National Weather Service to get weather updates: Weather.gov/psr
 
Be prepared: 
  • Put together a simple supplies kit with basics like flashlights, batteries and bottled water. For more details on what you need and how to put together a kit, visit Ready.gov/kit.
  • Make sure you have a plan to communicate with your family and loved ones during a storm. Get more information on creating a plan atReady.gov/plan.