Monsoons have arrived! Storms can develop quickly, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, dust storms, lightning, flash flooding and downed trees or power lines. The Town of Queen Creek encourages residents to use caution when severe weather moves through the area.

Secure outdoor furniture, trash and recycling carts, umbrellas, trampolines and other loose items that could be moved by  strong winds. Sandbags are available at Fire Station 2, 24787 S. Sossaman Road. Residents are reminded to bring their own shovel and only fill the bags half full. Monitor weather conditions and avoid going out during severe weather. 

Dust Storms
Dust storms can create dangerous driving conditions and significantly reduce visibility. If a dust storm is approaching, delay travel and move indoors if possible.

If you are driving and cannot avoid a dust storm:

• Pull off the roadway as far to the right as possible.
• Turn off the engine and all vehicle lights, including headlights, brake lights and emergency flashers.
• Set the parking brake and keep your foot off the brake pedal.
• Stay in the vehicle with seat belt buckled until the storm passes.

Flash Floods
Flash flooding is extremely dangerous, especially for drivers. Floodwater can hide roadway hazards and quickly move large objects, including vehicles, in depths of only one or two feet.

• Avoid travel whenever possible during flash floods. 
• Never drive into a flooded roadway or go around barricades. 
• Avoid washes, retention areas and low-water crossings 
• Keep children and pets away from floodwater, storm drains and drainage areas. 

Lightning
Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm. If a thunderstorm is coming or you hear thunder: 

• Move indoors or into a hardtop vehicle.
• If you are unable to get indoors, avoid conductors of electricity like metal and water. 
• Stay clear of trees, power lines, poles, open fields, pools and unenclosed structures. 
• Bring pets to a safe location before storms arrive.
• Remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Lightning detection systems are installed at Town parks and the Queen Creek Aquatic Center. If the siren sounds and the strobe light is on, lightning is in the area, and guests should seek shelter immediately. Visit park pages to learn more about the system and view current weather conditions.

Downed Power Lines and Outages

• Downed power lines should always be treated as energized and dangerous. 
• Stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines. 
• Do not touch the line or anything in contact with it.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are inside, stay inside the vehicle, do not touch anything metal and wait for professional help.

Customers can view SRP outage information and estimated restoration times on their website or by calling SRP’s 24-hour line at 602-236-8888.

Stormwater
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States and can carry debris, pet waste, chemicals and other pollutants into streets, retention basins, parks and other public areas. 

• Keep stormwater clean by properly disposing of yard debris and not hosing or blowing it down the street.
• Pick up after your pets. Pet waste bacteria can wash into retention basins and parks where families play.
• Avoid spraying outdoor chemicals before a storm. Always follow product instructions when using pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.

A severe weather watch means residents should be prepared because severe weather is possible in the area.

A severe weather warning means residents should take action because severe weather has been reported or is expected in the area.

Important Resources

• Sandbags: Fire Station 2, 24787 S. Sossaman Road
• Report QC roadway concerns: 480-358-3131
• Non-emergency Queen Creek Police Department: 480-358-3500
• Non-emergency Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department: 480-644-2400
• SRP outage map and 24-hour line: 602-236-8888
• Red Cross: 800-842-7349

For more safety information, visit the National Weather Service Phoenix Office. Visit the Town’s Storms webpage for additional information. To stay updated on news and events, follow the Town’s Facebook page or the Town’s X account. Report non-emergency issues on QC’s SeeClickFix webpage. 


Media Contact:
Eric Everts, Public Information Administrator
480-901-5324
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov