Flood waters expected in Maricopa by 12 noon

Heavy rains in Tucson earlier today are the precursor of what could be the worst flood Maricopa has experienced since 1993. According to Alma Farrell, Maricopa’s superintendent of schools, it is estimated that water is flowing from Tucson at a rate of 38,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), just shy of the 45,000 cfs Maricopa experienced in the flood of 1993.

The flood waters are predicted to hit the Maricopa area around 12 noon on Wednesday.

“Please do not take this lightly,” Farrell urged. “It is not expected that the homes along the Santa Rosa Wash in the Rancho El Dorado area are in danger as the washes can hold a lot of water and it is expected to flow at a five-foot level. Places in most danger are those on the far east side of Maricopa.”

All roads crossing the Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa washes, including the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, are subject to closing and drivers are encouraged to use common sense when encountering flooded conditions.

Farrell encourages residents to contact the Maricopa Unified School District hotline at (520) 568-5150 for up-to-date information.