As Tucson’s monsoon season comes to a close, the city’s Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) has successfully concluded the 2024 Operation Splash program.
From June through mid-September, residents utilized over 16,000 sandbags, helping to protect homes and businesses from the region’s intense summer storms.
A Vital Resource for Monsoon Season
Tucson’s monsoon season is known for bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and the potential for flash flooding. This year was no different, with a particularly strong storm on July 13, 2024, toppling 180 trees and creating widespread damage across the city.
In response, the DTM’s Operation Splash provided much-needed resources to help the community stay safe.
The sandbag distribution program, which has been running since 2016, offered Tucson residents a chance to access sandbags to protect their properties from water damage. Throughout this summer, an estimated 218 tons of sand were provided at self-serve stations across the city.
Sandbag Distribution Numbers
Since its inception, the program has distributed approximately 193,200 sandbags, helping Tucson residents prepare for the unpredictable nature of monsoon storms. Here’s a quick look at this year’s numbers:
Year |
Sandbags Distributed |
Sand (Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 16,000+ | 218 |
| 2016-2023 | 177,200 | — |
Preparing for Flash Floods and Protecting the Community
Flash floods remain one of the most significant risks during the Tucson monsoon season. The city’s vast network of washes and creeks can quickly overflow after a heavy downpour.
Operation Splash, in partnership with the Pima County Flood Control District, focuses on helping Tucsonans defend against these hazards.
The initiative is especially critical for areas prone to flooding, such as the Santa Cruz River Basin and the south side of Tucson. Residents in these regions have come to rely on the availability of sandbags as an essential part of their monsoon preparation.
Beyond Sandbags: DTM’s Storm Response Efforts
In addition to sandbag distribution, the DTM’s street maintenance teams were hard at work throughout the storm season.
They spent around 3,000 hours clearing debris, removing fallen trees, and ensuring that flooded roadways were barricaded and safe for travel. The city’s proactive measures helped reduce accidents and damage during the most severe storms.
During the weekend of July 13, when the city saw one of the most powerful storms of the season, DTM crews worked around the clock to remove debris and restore safe conditions on city streets. Their dedication ensured that Tucson remained operational despite the storm’s intensity.
Final Thoughts
As Tucson continues to adapt to the challenges posed by its monsoon season, programs like Operation Splash remain critical to keeping the community safe.
With the 2024 season now behind us, the city’s efforts have once again shown how a proactive approach can mitigate risks and protect residents from the unpredictable power of nature.
Sources: THX News, Kgun9, Tucson Weekly, Pima County & City of Tucson.
