Scottdale Residents Reeling from Devastating Monsoon Storm Impact

A monsoon storm ripped through Scottsdale with intensity that hadn’t been seen in decades, shaken residents say.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Tuesday night, a monsoon storm ripped through Scottsdale, causing damage that left even long-time residents in awe. 

Avia McCormick Ranch and the neighborhoods around the apartment complex bore some of the worst of the storm’s damage—uprooted trees, blocked roadways, and torn-up golf courses.

“Oh my God, it’s insane. I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Olivia Massena, who lives at the apartments. “I can’t explain how big these trees are. If you take a look around, it looks like a tornado came through here.”

Inside and out, the complex suffered extensive damage, however, there were no gas leaks according to the Scottsdale Fire Department.

“Our pool area is completely smashed in,” Massena added. “My sliding glass door came out. All the trees were uprooted.”

Roy Murray, a long-time resident, echoed her shock. “I’ve been up here in the area since 1984, and I can tell you I’ve never seen anything like what last night’s storm created.”

Joey De la Cruz, another resident of the complex, added, “It’s crazy. I had no idea the wind was so strong. The palm trees are still up, but these big trees are down.”

After about 10 minutes of storms on Tuesday night, a tree fell on the complex. Scottsdale Fire evacuated 16 units and had to rescue two residents who were trapped for over 15 minutes.

“We initiated a technical rescue response to bring out our crews with the heavy equipment,” said Captain Dave Folio. “We were able to cut that tree back, get those people out, and they were not injured.”

Despite two trees hitting the building, there were no injuries. The people who were trapped are now in hotels.

“It’s a God-send blessing that nobody was seriously injured,” Murray said.

Massena is friends with the people who live in the corner apartment that was hit. She’s catsitting for them, and the cats are still in the apartment with no way out.

“I can’t get the cats out of my friend’s apartment. It’s scary,” Massena admitted.

The storm damage spread throughout the surrounding areas of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura. Captain Folio says the cleanup process will now be turned over to City of Scottsdale street crews.