Update on potential flooding in Maricopa area

The City of Maricopa received notice from the Pinal County Plain Manager that severe storms in northern Mexico and the Tucson area have caused flood stage waters to flow into the Santa Cruz River.

As of 12:35 p.m. today, August 24, the flow of water has lost intensity, slowing to 14,000 to 19,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) as it left the Green Reservoir this morning. Waters are expected to reach Maricopa in the early or late evening hours tonight.

There is absolutely no cause for panic. The City of Maricopa, the Maricopa Fire District, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa Unified School District #20 and various other agencies have a coordinated plan to deal with potential flooding in the washes in this area.

The belief of all involved agencies is that it is better to over prepare than be under prepared. Barricades will be posted at necessary locations around town. Roads through washes should be avoided any time water is present. Use alternative routes such as Smith-Enke Road.

A major concern is the Santa Rosa wash running during school release times. The agencies’ plan is to detour people from Ranch El Dorado Parkway to Vintage Place, onto Smith-Enke and then to direct parents to use the entrance at Santa Rosa Parkway and Smith-Enke. Several posse members would be stationed inside Rancho El Dorado to close the Rancho El Dorado Parkway at the wet crossings and to re-direct traffic.

If water is present, parents are urged to pick their children up from school rather than allowing them to cross the washes. The Maricopa Unified School District’s hotline number is (520) 568-5150 for further information.