Flash Floods

Severe Thunderstorms for the Eastern Third of the Country; Ice Storm into Portions of Great Lakes and Northeast

Severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and frequent lightning with heavy rainfall will spread from the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee Valleys today then to the East Coast on Monday. Meanwhile, a significant ice storm continues across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes and Upstate New York and northern New England. For the Southwest, critical fire conditions. Read More >

Flash Flood Facts

Joseph City flash flood, July 1998. Flood waters damaged 44 homes.
(Photo: Navajo County)

Flash floods, which have been described as "more water than you want in less time than you have," are common in Northern Arizona. This is because the arid, sparsely vegetated environments found in this area have little capacity to absorb rainfall. The resulting runoff moves rapidly through the narrow canyons and steep terrain found throughout northern Arizona. In many areas, even small storms can turn normally dry washes and creeks into raging torrents of water in a matter of minutes.

Flash floods can occur at any time of year. Be alert for the possibility of flash flooding anytime that rain fall is forecast. Be especially cautious from July to mid-September when severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly.

A flash flood can travel miles beyond the storm that generated it, catching unwary hikers and motorists by surprise.

Flash Flood Watch

Issued to inform the public that conditions are favorable for flash flooding, but the timing and location of flooding is not certain or imminent.

During the Watch, residents should:

Exercise caution
Listen for NWS Flash Flood Warnings
Watch for signs of rising water
Be prepared to flee to higher ground on a moments notice

Flash Flood Warning

Issued when a flash flood is occurring or imminent.

When a Warning is issued:

Get out of the danger zone and move to higher ground immediately!
Don't waste time trying to save personal property
Do not cross rain-swollen streams!
Act quickly! Your margin of safety may be counted in seconds


Joseph City flash flood, July 1998 (Photo: Navajo County)	Joseph City flash flood, July 1998 (Photo: Navajo County)