Monsoon season in Scottsdale can be fast and fierce. One storm can turn a calm afternoon into heavy rain, high winds, and quick-rising runoff. If you live in McCormick Ranch, your lakes, mature trees, and landscaped yards add beauty to daily life, but they also need a little extra attention before summer storms arrive. In this guide, you’ll get a focused, local checklist to protect your home, reduce stress, and respond confidently when weather rolls in. Let’s dive in.
Why monsoon prep matters here
The North American monsoon typically runs from late June through September in central Arizona, bringing short, intense thunderstorms with heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and dust. According to the NWS Phoenix office, the biggest risks for homeowners are flash flooding, wind-driven roof leaks, and downed branches or power lines.
McCormick Ranch has unique features that shape stormwater flow. Man-made lakes, canals, retention basins, and nearby washes can concentrate runoff during heavy storms. Even if your property is not in a FEMA floodplain, water can still pool in yards, garages, and low areas when gutters clog or grading is off. The City of Scottsdale manages public storm drains and washes, while many lakes and private drainage features fall under community associations. If you are planning work near a shoreline or common area, check HOA guidelines first.
Quick pre-season checklist
Complete these tasks in late spring or early June. Recheck mid-season and after major storms.
- Clear gutters, downspouts, and yard drains
- Inspect roof surfaces, flashing, and attic for signs of leaks
- Prune dead or weak tree limbs; clear overhangs near the roof
- Secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and lightweight planters
- Confirm emergency supplies and flashlights; check batteries
- Review outage reporting with your utility provider
- Plan storm-safe driving routes that avoid washes
Drainage and grading that work
Water needs a clear path away from the house. Start with the basics.
- Gutters and downspouts. Clean gutters and downspouts before the season. Make sure hangers are secure and end caps sealed. Extend downspouts so water discharges 3-6 feet from the foundation or into a stable outlet like a swale or driveway drain. Gutter guards can reduce debris, but you will still need cleaning.
- Yard slope. Aim for a gentle slope away from the foundation. A practical guideline is about a 2 percent slope for the first several feet, which is roughly 1/4 inch per foot. Fill or regrade low spots that collect water and direct surface flow to a safe outlet.
- Drains and inlets. Clear yard drains, channel inlets, and driveway gutters. For blocked public storm drains or street flooding, contact the City of Scottsdale for Public Works support. Never dump debris into storm drains.
Roof and attic checks
A clean roofline sheds water faster and reduces risk.
- Walk-around inspection. From the ground, look for cracked or missing tiles, loose ridge caps, damaged flashing, and worn sealant at vents and skylights. On tile roofs, slipped tiles are a common source of leaks.
- Flat areas and additions. If you have any flat sections, look for ponding and membrane damage.
- Attic review. Check for water stains, mold, or damp insulation. Confirm attic and ridge vents are intact and unobstructed.
- Call a pro. If your roof is older or you spot issues, schedule a licensed roofer for preventive repairs before storms arrive.
Trees, landscape, and lakefront care
Mature trees are a McCormick Ranch hallmark. They also need seasonal pruning to handle wind.
- Prune for structure. Remove dead, diseased, or weak limbs. Keep large branches at least 6-10 feet from roofs and structures when possible. Prioritize heavy limbs near walkways, driveways, and power lines.
- Consult experts. For species-specific guidance on desert trees like mesquite and palo verde, use the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension resources, or hire a certified arborist for large work.
- Secure loose items. Store or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, cushions, and lightweight planters before storms.
- Shoreline and docks. If you are on a lake, clear debris and review HOA rules for rip-rap, docks, and bulkheads before making repairs.
Irrigation, pools, and exterior systems
- Irrigation controls. Turn off or adjust automatic irrigation timers when rain is forecast. Saturated soil does not need extra water and can add to runoff.
- Pool equipment. Check that equipment pads are secure and that overflow paths do not drain toward the house.
- Garage and doors. Install door sweeps and keep sandbags on hand if you have a history of water at thresholds.
Utilities and outage readiness
High winds can cause localized outages. Know your provider and how to report issues.
- Outage reporting. Depending on your address, service may be from Arizona Public Service or Salt River Project. Review their outage pages and safety tips before the season starts.
- Generator safety. If you plan to use a portable generator, operate it outdoors away from windows and vents. Hire a licensed electrician to install a transfer switch if you want to power house circuits.
What to do during a storm
Your safety comes first. Prepare now so actions are simple in the moment.
- Stay alert. Follow local forecasts and warnings from NWS Phoenix. Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone.
- Avoid flooded roads. Turn around and never drive through standing water. Depth and road damage can be hidden.
- Keep your distance. Treat all downed power lines as live and stay away. Do not approach flooded electrical equipment.
- Protect the interior. If water pools near doors, use sandbags or temporary barriers only if safe to do so. If you notice a roof leak, place containers under the drip, cover furniture with tarps, and turn off electricity to affected rooms if you can reach the breaker safely.
- Report hazards. For flooded streets or blocked public drains, contact the City of Scottsdale Public Works non-emergency line. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Smarter routes for storm days
Plan ahead for commutes, appointments, and school pick-ups.
- Map alternatives. Identify primary and backup routes that avoid known wash crossings and low-water bridges. Use city maps and county resources to spot wash corridors.
- Choose arterials. Favor larger arterial roads that are less likely to flood. Avoid narrow roads that parallel washes.
- Keep numbers handy. Maintain a quick list of city services, HOA contacts, and nearby neighbors who can help.
After the storm: document and recover
Take a breath, then work through a simple plan.
- Safety first. Wait for safe conditions to inspect the exterior. Watch for unstable structures, downed lines, and contaminated standing water.
- Document everything. Photograph and video damage before cleanup. Save receipts for emergency repairs and log times.
- Dry fast. Remove wet materials like carpets and drywall quickly to reduce mold risk. Call professionals for larger losses.
Insurance and long-term fixes
- Know your coverage. Homeowners policies often cover wind and storm damage but usually exclude flood. For flood coverage, review options through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers. NFIP policies can have a 30-day waiting period, so plan ahead.
- Check your risk. Even outside mapped flood zones, flash flooding can affect yards and garages. Review county guidance and maps through the Maricopa County Flood Control District to understand local wash patterns.
- Improve drainage. For repeat issues, consider regrading, adding French drains or surface swales, and improving downspout dispersal to a street gutter or dry well. Confirm city codes and HOA rules before you begin.
- Report infrastructure issues. If a city storm drain or street inlet contributed to flooding, document it and request inspection and repair through the City of Scottsdale. Coordinate with your HOA for shared features.
Local resources to bookmark
- Monsoon forecasts and warnings: NWS Phoenix
- City reporting and advisories: City of Scottsdale
- Floodplain maps and wash education: Maricopa County Flood Control District
- Flood insurance and claims: FEMA NFIP
- Tree and landscape guidance: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Utility outage info and safety: Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project
Preparing before the first storm pays off with fewer surprises and quicker recovery. If you would like a tailored pre-monsoon walkthrough for your McCormick Ranch property and vetted vendor recommendations, reach out for concierge support that fits your timeline and goals.
Ready to protect your home and your peace of mind? Request a Concierge Consultation with Karen’s Collection.
FAQs
Do McCormick Ranch homes flood if they are not in a FEMA zone?
- Yes. Short, intense storms can cause yard and garage flooding even outside mapped zones due to local drainage, lakes, and washes.
How far should my downspouts discharge from the foundation?
- Aim for 3-6 feet or direct water to a stable outlet like a swale or driveway drain that routes flow safely away.
How often should I clean gutters during monsoon season?
- Clean once before the season, then check again mid-season if you have mature trees or notice debris after storms.
Which trees are most likely to fail in storms?
- Large, aging trees or those with dead or weak branches are higher risk. Prune proactively and consult a certified arborist for big trees.
Who do I contact about a flooded street or blocked city drain in Scottsdale?
- Report issues to the City of Scottsdale Public Works non-emergency line, and call 911 for immediate hazards or life safety concerns.
