Jan

21

Severe Storms, High Winds & Flooding Predicted for Pinal County

Filed Under Uncategorized 

FLORENCE, AZ – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch, Flood Watch, High Wind Watch and Hazardous Weather Outlook covering a significant portion of the state, including Pinal County. An incoming storm is forecast to bring significant rain to Pinal County. Showers may develop as soon as this evening and continuing off and on through Friday. Wind gusts could reach 55 miles per hour.

“We have been planning for these storms since last week, clearing debris from drainage areas, mobilizing signage and barricades near trouble areas and preparing sandbags,” said Greg Stanley, Pinal County’s Director of Public Works. “We know where the trouble spots are and, with this much rain headed our way, we expect flooding as well as road obstructions from debris or downed trees.”

Arizona’s annual rainfall is typically about 7 inches on average. Forecasters are predicting two to four inches of rain, maybe more.

“This could go down in the history books as one of the wettest storms to hit Arizona,” Stanley said. “Public Works and Public Safety will have their hands full trying to keep people safe.”

Stanley offered some foul weather driving tips:

* Motorists should eliminate any unnecessary trips during the storm.
* Never, never drive into a flooded area. Even if you know the area, you cannot tell how deep the water is, what dangers may lurk underneath or how fast the current is moving.
* Reduce your speed so you can react and avoid road debris or emergency situations. Do not use cruise control.
* Avoid driving through large puddles. Hidden debris could damage your tires, you could lose control of the vehicle or water could splash up into your engine compartment causing serious problems.
* If your wipers are on, your headlights should be on, too.
* If you have to stop, pull off the road and turn everything off so other drivers don’t mistake you for the lane of traffic.

If you need to report debris in the roads, trees down or other hazards, call your local police or the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 520-866-5111.

Large, hazardous debris on county roads can be reported to Pinal County Public Works during normal business hours by calling 888-431-1311 or 520-509-3555.

As road conditions become known, Pinal County Public Works will be updating its website and hotline with closures or restrictions. The road closure hotline is 520-866-6078. To view the current list of road closures at any time, go to www.pinalcountyaz.gov and click on the yellow icon that says Detour Ahead Road Closure Information on the right side of the county’s main home page.

Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on events and tourism, road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.

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