Weather
AZ Monsoon Update: Historic Rainfall, Flooding In Southern AZ
The first prolonged batch of storms of the 2021 monsoon has hit Arizona, with upwards of 4 inches falling in the Tucson area overnight.
TUCSON, AZ — Bands of heavy rain and lightning have struck much of Southern Arizona overnight, delivering historic amounts of rain.
The storms, which are expected to roll through Tucson and surrounding areas through Friday and much of Saturday, have dropped well over one inch of rain in much of the region, the National Weather Service said.
The flash flood watch that originally was supposed to run out at 11 p.m. Saturday has been extended through Sunday night, the service tweeted.
Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Flash Flood Watch has been extended through Sunday evening and covers most of Arizona. Through the weekend expect heavy rain at times with flash flooding possible. #azwx pic.twitter.com/F2Br86juk1
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) July 23, 2021
The service's rainfall report shows that some areas on Tucson's east side have received upwards of four inches of rain so far, with more to come.
Here is a look at radar estimated rainfall amounts over the last 24 hours. Much of the region received rain, especially across the Tucson metro where most of the area saw at least 1". #azwx pic.twitter.com/5sRnuqTgNt
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) July 23, 2021
The rain gauge at Tucson International Airport, meanwhile, has registered 1.5 inches of rain so far, with varying amounts in between.
Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A flood warning has been issued for virtually all of the Tucson metropolitan area, along the course of the Santa Cruz and Rillito rivers, as well as Sabino Creek and Pantano Wash, running through 9 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service in Tucson has Issued a Flood Warning. https://t.co/WVkgwKOoyd #azwx pic.twitter.com/b0u7LlSP3V
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) July 23, 2021
Friday's storms have forced several recreation areas within the Catalina Mountains, including Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Pusch Ridge Wilderness area, to close due to localized flash flooding, the U.S. Forest Service tweeted.
Temporary closures in Santa Catalina Mountains: within the Sabino Canyon Rec. Area, Pusch Ridge Wilderness, and Central & Northern Santa Catalina Mountains. Heavy rainfall in the area leading to localized flash flooding. Please visit our Facebook for more https://t.co/N8zG3Utxcs pic.twitter.com/30l4XTTm6m
— Coronado NF (@CoronadoNF) July 23, 2021
Active weather will continue FRI-SAT with periods of heavy rain likely. Soils are already saturated from previous rainfall which will make flash flooding more likely. Motorists should plan ahead for slick roads, longer commutes, & closed roads. #TurnAroundDontDrown #azwx pic.twitter.com/9K0Mq8YplR
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) July 23, 2021
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