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Arizona Deserts Drenched: Flash Floods Turn Dry Washes Deadly
20 Nov
Summary
- Desert areas received over a month's worth of rain in just 12-24 hours.
- Life-threatening flash floods are ongoing or expected shortly.
- Several highways and popular water features are impacted by severe flooding.
National Weather Service meteorologists issued an urgent warning as heavy rain continues to inundate desert areas in Arizona, transforming normally dry landscapes into dangerous flood zones. These regions, which typically receive minimal rainfall, have experienced over a month's average precipitation in a mere 12 to 24-hour period, highlighting the extreme nature of the current storm.
The issued flash flood warning stressed that life-threatening conditions were ongoing or imminent, emphasizing the critical need for residents in affected areas to heed the alerts. The rapid flooding poses significant risks, particularly in desert environments where dry washes can quickly become raging torrents, endangering lives and infrastructure. Specific warnings were issued for Coconino, Gila, and Yavapai counties.
Several key roadways, including sections of State Route 260 and State Route 87, were directly impacted, as were popular natural attractions like Fossil Creek and the Verde River. The NWS strongly advises against driving through any floodwaters, as most flood-related fatalities occur when vehicles are swept away. The situation remains dynamic, with updates to the warning to be provided as conditions evolve.
