It does rain in the desert

No, we did not install a pool. That is our backyard after a downpour on Thursday. The good thing is the water stayed away from the house, the bad news is Arizona soil does not drain well. It is Saturday and we still can't let the cats outside because of the water and mud. Our park/retention area also got flooded. I guess we need to get going on installing some groundcoversand other plants so they can help with the drainage.