Before the storm

Monsoon season officially begins June 15 and Tempe wants to help the community prepare. Tempe encourages residents to take preventative measures towards protecting their property and keeping their family safe 

Storm Preparedness Checklist

Are you ready for the storm? Read this to know what to do before, during and after storms.
    

Family Disaster Supply Kit

All families should pack a 3-day bag of supplies including: 1 gallon of water per person/pet per day, nonperishable food, flashlights, radio, batteries, medications, first aid kit and a back-up power source for cell phone chargers and medical equipment. 

Keep storm drains clean of debris 

The flooding of streets, sidewalks and homes can be much worse if the city's storm drains are blocked by debris. This can be prevented by disposing of yard waste in trash receptacles. If excessive amounts of debris are collecting near a storm drain, call 480-350-4311. Click here for more stormwater tips. 

Prepare your home

• Trim trees so they are away from windows and roofs.
• Clear debris from your roof drainage system, including gutters and downspouts.
• Pre-treat pools with chlorine shock to help prevent algae growth.
• Do not apply fertilizers or other outdoor chemicals before expected storms.
• Secure loose items on your property, such as patio and pool furniture.
• Unplug expensive electronics (TV, stereo, home entertainment centers and computers) and/or install power protection devices.

Free sand and bags for monsoon storms 

The City of Tempe has sand and bags available at two locations throughout monsoon season (June 15 through Sept. 30). Prior to a major storm event, bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Bring: a shovel, gloves, protective eyewear and a helper. 

Directions: Fill each sandbag one-half to two-thirds full, do not overfill. 

Locations:

• 1001 N. Rio Road: (access drive north of Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive)
  Open daily, 24 hours

• Benedict Sports Complex: 490 W. Guadalupe Road (northwest corner of Guadalupe and Kyrene roads, east side of parking lot) 
  Open daily, 24 hours

 During the storm

News and information

Follow us on Facebook @CityofTempe and Twitter @TempeGov to stay up to date on street closures and bus detours.

You also can sign up for e-news by visiting tempe.gov/enews. 

Street closures and restrictions

Visit tempe.gov/StreetClosures to see Valley-wide, planned street closures. 

Valley Metro bus routes and detours

Visit valleymetro.org/rider-alerts to find bus routes and detours. Or, download the Valley Metro app.

Power outage

SRP: view, report or sign up for power outage alerts.
APS: view, report or sign up for power outage alerts. 

High winds

• During a storm, winds can exceed 100 mph and can cause property damage. Make sure you secure any loose items in your yard and trim any overgrown trees.

Dust storms

• When dust storms strike, they can create dangerous driving conditions with zero visibility. Stay inside if you can. If you’re out driving, pull over, put your car in park, turn off all lights, take your foot off the brake and keep your seatbelt on.

Flash flood safety

Flash floods are the top thunderstorm-related killer, with most deaths occurring in vehicles. Be sure to avoid flooded areas and low-water crossings.

• Monsoon brings what we all want – rain! However, heavy rains can lead to flash flooding – so avoid low-water crossings and already flooded areas.
• If your home is prone to flooding, be sure to stop by one of our free sandbag locations – all you’ll need is a shovel.
• Moving water one- to two-feet deep will carry away most vehicles.
• Keep children away from creeks and washes when heavy rain is in the area.
• Be especially careful at night when water depth and road conditions are harder to see.
• Do not play or swim in flooded areas; water may be contaminated with chemicals and bacteria.
• Wash hands and disinfect any items that come in contact with flood waters.

Lightning safety

No place outside is safe from lightning during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. For safety:

• Head indoors and seek shelter: a strong building or an enclosed hardtop vehicle works.
• If you’re caught outdoors: do not seek shelter under tall objects, such as trees or light posts.
• Avoid contacting inside wiring and plumbing during a thunderstorm; this includes appliances and corded phones.
• Stay in shelter for 30 minutes after the last thunder.
• Call 911 for help immediately if someone is struck by lightning.

Other Safety Tips

• Bring pets indoors because they are likely to panic or run away to escape the storm.
• Avoid downed power lines; call 911 to report them.
• If a power line comes into contact with your vehicle, remain inside the vehicle until help arrives and do not attempt to get out.
• Follow traffic control signs and barricades; if a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop
• Hydrate yourself, children and pets frequently.
• If you go camping, do not camp in washes.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.

 After the storm

If you have experienced storm damage, call 480-350-4311, visit tempe.gov/311 or email tempe311@tempe.gov.

If you have experienced dangerous storm activity, such as a downed power line or an injury, call 911. For non-emergencies, call the Tempe Police non-emergency number at 480-350-8311 or call 480-350-4311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday on non-recognized holidays.

Need help cleaning up? Call one of the city's pre-approved landscaping companies for professional assistance. Visit the Tempe Landscape Referral page for details.

Street and park flooding

Please report flooding that occurs in city streets and parks. The city cannot respond to flooding in residents' homes. 

Storm debris 

• Storm debris that IS blocking intersections, major roadways or alleyways or is posing a safety concern, call 480-350-8311.
• Storm debris that IS NOT blocking intersections, major roadways or alleyways or is not posing a safety concern, call 480-350-4311.
• Important note: the city cannot respond to debris that has fallen on a resident's property. Residents have a few options for debris cleanup:
  • Chop up the debris and follow the Bulk Trash Collection guidelines and timelines for free collection. Please keep the debris in your yard until it is time for your bulk trash collection.
  • Rent a roll-off container from Tempe.
  • Chop up the debris and bring it to Tempe's compost yard for free disposal.
  • Request a Bulk Trash or Green Organics pickup outside of your regular schedule for a fee.
  • Chop up the debris and contact a landscaper for cleanup if you require a more immediate response

The ASU School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning share the basics of Arizona monsoon and desert meteorology. 

Read about the phenomenon that is an Arizona monsoon storm. What is it? Why does it occur? What are its characteristics?

 Additional resources

• Life-threatening emergencies: 911
• Non-emergency police: 480-350-8311
• Tempe 311: 480-350-4311 or tempe.gov/311
• Street closures and bus detours: tempe.gov/StreetClosures
• Stormwater pollution prevention tips: tempe.gov/stormwater
• Tempe landscape referral: tempe.gov/code
• Tree trimming and care guidelines: treesaregood.com
• SRP storm info: srpnet.com/safety/storm
• National Weather Service: weather.gov/psr
• CDC flood water safety
• Maricopa County monsoon brochure