As summer heat engulfs Southern Arizona, residents brace for the inevitable monsoon season, spanning from June 15 to September 30. According to Pima County officials, multiple departments have proactively prepared for potential monsoon hazards, such as flash floods, intense rain, and dust storms, particularly concerning road safety. For real-time updates on road status, officials encourage signing up for road closure emails, checking the county's map, or phoning the Pima County Sheriff's Department's conditions hotline, as noted on the county's official news release.
The Pima County Department of Transportation is not only committed to keeping the roads traversable during severe weather but also ensures a swift response with strategically placed equipment. Dividing the county into six sectors facilitates a hearty awareness and decreases reaction times. Residents can also protect their homes with sandbags, limited to 20 per household, available at county-provided stations requiring an own shovel and gloves for self-service.
Preparations extend to the Pima County Regional Flood Control District's focus on water flow management in washes and riverbeds. As detailed by the county's newsroom, this includes flood response coordination, training for emergency alert systems, and increasing flood channel capacities by sediment removal. Such efforts are critical for directing the heavy rainwater that could otherwise cause destruction into contained paths eventually benefiting the water table.
Beyond the direct effects of monsoon precipitation, the county's Wastewater Reclamation Department diligently operates to prevent stormwater from disrupting sewer system operations. After significant rainfall, the department is on the watch for stormwater inflow and conducts inspections for potential erosion around sewer infrastructure. "Throughout the years, the Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department operates multiple facilities around the County and monitoring treatment facilities to ensure increased stormwater does not affect operations," states the county's newsroom.
The core message for residents during monsoon season remains clear: "avoid flooded areas." As flood waters present grave risks and conditions are prone to rapid changes, prudence is crucial. Ultimately, when faced with flooded passages, the advice is simple and lifesaving: "Turn around, don’t drown," a vital reminder for anyone navigating the tumultuous weather ahead.
