The risk of flash flooding increased at desert and mountain destinations in Tucson and southeastern Arizona. A Flood Watch updated by the National Weather Service Tucson office at 3:09 a.m. MST on September 14 was in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Strong storms were expected to bring 1 to 2 inches of rain, with more than 2 inches possible in isolated locations.
Areas Affected
The affected area included the Tucson metro area, the Upper Santa Cruz River Valley, the Upper San Pedro River Valley, southern Pinal County, and eastern Cochise County. Mount Lemmon, Madera Canyon, Chiricahua National Monument, Picacho Peak State Park, Sierra Vista, and Nogales were also included in the watch area.
The National Weather Service said flooding could affect rivers, creeks, low-lying areas, and low-water crossings. Water may collect more quickly in places that received heavy rain during the previous 48 to 72 hours. Even normally dry washes can begin flowing suddenly from rain that falls away from the center of a storm.
This is a watch for the possibility of widespread flooding; it does not mean every road or campground was closed. Before traveling, check Arizona 511 and official notices from the destination park or campground for current closures.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Avoid dispersed campsites in wash bottoms, beside drainage channels, and in low-lying terrain, even before rain begins. If moving an RV to higher ground, make that decision before precipitation starts, not after water begins to rise.
When water is flowing across a road, do not try to estimate its depth and cross. Even paved roads may have shoulder erosion and debris such as rocks and branches, so follow closure signs and detour instructions.
Before arriving at a reserved campground, check its operating status and access road. Also look for wash crossings along any detour route. Keep phone alerts enabled and watch for any follow-up flood warnings from the National Weather Service.
Sources checked: National Weather Service Flood Watch / National Weather Service flood safety / Arizona 511
Photo: Dulcey Lima / photographer page / Original photo file (Unsplash License)