Much-needed rainfall in the Southwest leads to flooding in Arizona
The desert southwest will continue to see light to heavy downpours in drought-affected areas with the possibility of flash flooding in southeastern Arizona.
PHOENIX – Several inches of rain forecast through Monday in parts of the southwest will benefit parched areas of the desert. While the heavy rains are helping drought-stricken areas, they’re also causing some localized flooding in Arizona.
On Saturday, Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport recorded 0.76 inches of rain, making it the wettest day of 2022 for the city.
Meteorologists from the FOX Forecast Center say this rainfall is notable because it comes after the typical monsoon season, when the average rainfall for the entire month of December is 0.74 inches.
HOW TO WATCH THE FOX WEATHER
The storm system, which is bringing rain and snow to California, will keep scattered rain chances in the Arizona forecast through Tuesday before drier conditions return.
(FOX Weather)
A large area of Pima and most Pinal counties had picked up 1 to 2 inches of rain by Sunday morning, with more on the way, according to the Tucson National Weather Service.
Tucson International Airport received more than half an inch of rain. This comes after Tucson recorded its driest November on record with no measurable rainfall.
Rainfall kept the roads flooded and conditions slippery for the drivers throughout the weekend.
MUDSLIDE FILLS STEAKHOUSE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH UP TO 7 FEET OF DIRT
Persistent rains above and south of Casa Grande have caused flooding at several low-water crossings, according to NWS forecasters.
(FOX Weather)
HERE’S WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR CAR IS FLOODED
Even as the rain eased near the Tucson Valley Sunday morning, Arizona Department of Transportation officials warned drivers to slow down as roads remained very wet.
Southeast of Phoenix, deputies from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office responded to several disabled vehicles stranded in flood waters around Arizona City.
District Public Works Bureau officials were reviewing road closures due to severe flooding.
The NWS in Phoenix issued a flood warning for parts of Pinal County including Casa Grande, Arizona City, Arizona and Toltec through Sunday morning.
Flash flooding threats will continue through Monday for Arizona and New Mexico.
THE US DROUG MONITOR EXPLAINS
Post-monsoon rain has been welcome in the southwest, where the additional rainfall may further improve drought conditions.
According to the US Drought Monitor’s most recent report, most of Arizona remained in unusual to moderate drought conditions, with some areas of the Northwest experiencing severe drought.
New Mexico still has several regions experiencing extreme to extraordinary drought.
