A cold front pressing east across the central U.S. will be the focus for areas of strong to severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall through this weekend. Strong to severe thunderstorms my bring damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes while excessive rainfall may lead to areas of flooding. Heat will build across the western U.S. with heat-related watches, warnings, and advisories issued. Read More >
Northern Arizona Flash Floods
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| 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.
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:
Flash Flood Warning
Issued when a flash flood is occurring or imminent.
When a Warning is issued:
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| Joseph City flash flood, July 1998 (Photo: Navajo County) |
Joseph City flash flood, July 1998 (Photo: Navajo County) |
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