Flash Flood — Santa Cruz, Arizona

2008-07-12 · near Nogales, Santa Cruz, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy rainfall on the Mexican side of the border caused flash flooding in the city of Nogales, Arizona. This was caused by a damaged portion of the underground Nogales Wash. Local emergency management reported that water burst through the underground wash onto the surface just across the International Border. The border wall acted as a dam, keeping most of the flooding on the Mexican side. However, some water did flow through the port of entry into downtown Nogales, Arizona. Several businesses in the downtown business district experienced flooding and two illegal immigrants found two days later in the underground wash are also believed to have drowned due to this flooding. In addition, three illegal immigrants in an underground flood channel beneath the international border were rescued.

Wider weather episode

Slow moving thunderstorms developed in a very moist environment across Southeast Arizona resulting in areas of flash flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.3500, -110.9300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 101966. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.