Hurricane Hilary in Arizona: How Yuma County and others prepare for incoming monsoon weather
Hurricane Hilary is expected to impact parts of Arizona this weekend, affecting mostly the southernmost areas of the state, including Yuma, La Paz and Pima counties.
According to the National Weather Service, Saturday through Sunday will see most of the impact for southwestern Arizona, describing the conditions as "deteriorating" for areas such as Yuma and La Paz County.
Hilary updates: Wind advisory issued for Phoenix area
Here's a look at how each county is preparing.
Pima County
Several advisories were issued for Pima County, including wind advisories and thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service in Tucson office advised residents to refrain from driving or entering low water crossings, washes and rivers as Hilary's impact moves into the state.
"As far as safety measures, we always encourage people to stay out of the moving water, no matter how familiar they are with it. Turn around, don’t drown. Any outdoor activity becomes more dangerous in severe weather. Hikers and bikers should watch the weather and plan accordingly," Pima County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Deputy Gordon Downing told The Arizona Republic.
Those within Pima County can sign up for alerts from the Pima County Office of Emergency Management to get up-to-date information on flooding, cooling centers and more.
Where is Hurricane Hilary? What Arizonans need to know about the Category 1 hurricane
Yuma County
A flood watch was in effect starting Saturday at 8 a.m. until Monday at 5 p.m., while a wind advisory in effect for Sunday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
In Yuma city, officials have set up a self-serve sandbag filling station located in the east parking lot of the Yuma Civic Center at 1440 West Desert Hills Drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 20.
La Paz County
The same weather advisories issued for Yuma County were in effect for La Paz.
The La Paz County Sheriff's Office said that as heavy rains and high winds rolled in, residents should not enter flooded areas and should stay away from downed lines.
The sheriff's office said La Paz County residents can pick up sandbags at the following locations:
Quartzsite Fire Department, 70 Tyson St., Quartzsite.
Parker Fire Department, 1101 W. Arizona Ave., Parker.
Bouse Fire Department, 44031 Plomosa Road, Bouse.
Colorado River Indian Tribes Fire Department, Poston Memorial Monument, Mohave Road, Parker.
Coconino County
For northern Arizona, the weather service advised residents to steer clear of low-level water crossings and dry water washes, as it doesn't take much water to sweep a car away.
The areas of Supai and the dry flat canyons and washes near the Grand Canyon are of greater concern in terms of high-country areas.
"Those are some of the big areas that we're really watching and trying to promote the messaging of 'maybe you should be changing your plans if you haven't already'," Flagstaff office meteorologist Reggie Roakes told The Republic.
Yavapai County
In Yavapai County, the sheriff's office urges residents to sign up for their emergency notification system via their website at www.ycsoaz.gov/Home.
Additional sandbag locations throughout Arizona
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority is providing sandbags at the following locations:
Sun City West: Fire Station 103, 13431 West Deer Valley Drive.
Wittmann: Fire Station 107, 21720 Harding Ave.
Tonopah: Fire Station 341, 36511 W. Salome Highway.
Sun Lakes: Fire Station 232, 25020 South Alma School Road.
Buckeye Valley: Fire Station 324, 25206 W. U.S. HWY85 and Fire Station 326, 19937 West Arlington Road.
Follow your local National Weather Service for the latest forecasts and alerts:
NWS Las Vegas (For Mohave County)
Ways to protect your home
According to State Farm, there are several things homeowners can do to ensure the safety of their community and belongings, as well as their property.
Shore up your surroundings. Make sure outdoor items such as garbage cans, furniture, grills and other objects that could get thrashed around in the wind are placed safely inside your home or garage.
Safely store vehicles. Keep your cars, RVs or boats safely stored in the garage or other potential shelter.
What to do if your home is impacted
If your home is affected during the storm, the National Flood Insurance Program suggests you:
Contact your insurance agent or insurer as soon as possible to file your claim.
Before entering, check around your home carefully for signs of structural damage like eroded soil around the foundation, displaced foundation or gaps around doors or windows. Look through your windows to make sure it’s safe — older homes may be particularly unstable.
Make sure the electricity and gas are shut off to avoid fire or injury. Have an electrician check the house before turning the power back on.
Your home may be contaminated with mold, sewage or other hazards. Enter with caution and wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles during cleanup.
Photograph and make a list of flood-damaged items for insurance purposes before discarding them. Then throw flooded items that pose a health risk such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions and pillows.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's how to prepare for Tropical Storm Hilary in Arizona
