Sonoran officials say they expect heavy rains in the coming days and are taking measures to prevent damage and loss of life.

Sonoran officials are ramping up preparations for what they say could be intense storms in the coming days, potentially dousing some cities with as much as four or more inches of rain a day.

Rescue teams will be monitoring areas that are vulnerable to flooding, and officials are opening temporary shelters, particularly in the southern part of the state, as well as in Hermosillo.

Hermosillo Mayor Antonio Astiazaran said there are eight shelters open around the municipality. He asked city residents to avoid washes and canals, where people and cars can get swept away by rushing water.

Monsoon storms have already caused flooding in several parts of the state this year, including in Nogales, where officials say at least 10 people have been killed.