Mesa prepares, braces for monsoon storms

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - While the Monsoon season began on June 15, the Valley has seen little rain. As the season continues, workers with the City of Mesa went through of series of drills to get ready for the potential rain ahead.

The hands-on pumping work, as well as the work of getting drains clear of debris, all came with a clear reminder of the catastrophic flooding from 2014.

That year, after five inches of rain fell in six hours, and with an Emerald Park Retention Basin at full capacity, the water began to flow in the opposite direction, right into a neighborhood. The flood damaged more than 200 homes and an elementary school.

"This is the low point of the system, so we spend all year trying to keep these clean enough so that during a storm event it will flow," said City of Mesa Field Operations Supervisor Bill McLeod.

The drills on Tuesday, which also happens year-round, are to make sure that never happens again, and to clear garbage and debris out of the drains. In addition, there are also a number of sandbag locations in Mesa where free sandbags are offered.

City of Mesa sandbag locations
http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/emergency/sandbags-storm-preparation