DTM PREPARES FOR SUMMER STORMS

DTM PREPARES FOR SUMMER STORMS

Published on June 15, 2026

Protecting the traveling public on City streets during Tucson's summer thunderstorm season is the objective of the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility's (DTM) Operation Splash campaign. Today, June 15, marks the official recordkeeping start date of the monsoon, and storms have already begun. DTM Streets Maintenance crews have placed more than 500 barricades at hundreds of dip crossings throughout Tucson so they're ready when needed.

DTM Streets Maintenance staff will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week through mid-September. When washes and low-water crossings flood, crews will close roadways to help prevent motorists from entering.

When severe weather is forecasted in the region, DTM activates Operation Splash and mobilizes crews to monitor washes and dip crossings. By monitoring radar from the National Weather Service in Tucson and the Pima County Regional Flood Control District ALERT System, staff may also begin barricading dip crossings in anticipation of incoming stormwater.

All low-lying areas in Tucson are susceptible to flooding during monsoon. Drivers should never bypass barricades or attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Once floodwaters recede, DTM crews inspect roadways and remove debris before reopening them to traffic.

For the 11th consecutive year, DTM will offer free self-serve sandbags at the east parking lot of Hi Corbett Field, 700 S. Randolph Way, at Reid Park. The sandbag program is scheduled to open Wednesday, June 17, and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sand and sandbags will be provided, but residents must bring their own shovel. A limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle applies. Since 2019, DTM has distributed over 400,000 sandbags to the community.

Follow DTM on social media for the latest information on monsoon-related road closures and travel impacts.

For more information visit, Operation Splash