Pinal County officials and the National Weather Service are urging Maricopa residents to prepare for possible flooding this weekend as “more than an October’s worth of rain” from former Hurricane Priscilla moves into Arizona.

A Flood Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening for much of central and southern Arizona, including Northwest and West Pinal County, according to the NWS in Phoenix. Forecasters say flooding episodes caused by excessive rainfall are possible in low-lying, flood-prone areas.

The NWS said increasing tropical moisture from Priscilla will lead to heavy rainfall across the region. Rainfall totals of 1 to 1½ inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible. Excessive runoff may cause flooding of creeks, washes and low-lying areas, with the potential for rivers and streams to rise out of their banks.

Hurricane Priscilla, now moving along the Pacific coast of Mexico, has weakened to a tropical storm with sustained winds near 70 mph as it tracks northwest along Baja California. The storm could briefly regain strength before weakening again as it pushes moisture north into Arizona.

Pinal County’s Flood Control District and Office of Emergency Management are advising residents to prepare ahead of the storm by gathering supplies and checking flood-prone areas around their homes. Free sandbags were made available this morning at Pinal County Public Works maintenance yards in Hidden Valley, although no staff are on site to assist with loading.

Residents can sign up for alerts through the Pinal Emergency Notification System, which provides updates by phone, text or email during emergencies.

Officials remind residents never to drive through flooded roads. Under Arizona’s “stupid motorist law,” drivers who ignore barricades and require rescue may be held financially responsible for the cost of their rescue.

Hidden Valley residents can get sandbags at 43910 W. Meadowview Road.