A flash flood watch for the greater Phoenix area and northern Pinal and southern Gila counties has been issued from 5 p.m. Monday until 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The Phoenix Fire Department is offering sandbags on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials said people should bring their own medium-sized garbage bags -- double bagged -- and their own shovels.

Sandbags are available at the following locations:

Phoenix Fire Stations (For more information, call 602-495-5555):

• Station 11: 2727 E. Roosevelt Street
• Station 26: 3301 W. Rose Lane
• Station 31: 5730 E. Thunderbird Road
• Station 36: 21602 N. Ninth Avenue
• Station 39: 2276 W. Southern Avenue
• Station 40: 3838 N. 83rd Avenue
• Station 48: 5230 W. Happy Valley Road
• Station 49: 3750 E. Dynamite Boulevard
• Station 52: 21650 N. Tatum Boulevard
• Station 43: 4110 E. Chandler Boulevard (Sand available tomorrow, 12/8/09)

Sand is also available at Phoenix Streets Facilities (Hours of operation: 6:30a.m. - 3:30p.m.):

• SW Division : 3045 S. 22nd Ave. (602-256-3109)
• North Division : 138 E. Union Hills (602-262-6922)
• SE Division: 3828 E. Anne Street (602-262-6847)
• Central Division: 4020 W. Glenrosa Ave. (602-262-6717)

The National Weather Service said the heaviest rain potential will occur Monday night over the mountains north and east of Phoenix.

Estimated rainfall amounts from late Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning will approach 2 inches -- raising the potential for flooding or flash flooding of normally dry washes and creeks.