Flash Flood — La Paz, Arizona

2022-08-14 · near Wenden, La Paz, Arizona

Event narrative

Images showed parts of Alamo Road washed out due to high flow over low water crossings. Timing and exact location estimated from radar. No injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

Abundant moisture (PWATs 1.7-2.0) and instability (MUCAPE 2,000 J/kg) provided a favorable environment for strong to severe thunderstorms across south-central Arizona on the 14th. Daytime heating aided in thunderstorm development across the high terrain north of Phoenix before sending outflows traveling toward the south into the lower elevations. New thunderstorm development occurred along these outflows into the Valley where they produced damaging winds, dense blowing dust, and isolated flash flooding. Additional thunderstorm development occurred across southwest Arizona where better moisture allowed thunderstorms to be efficient rainfall producers, leading to multiple reports of flash flooding. No injuries were reported from this event.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.1137, -113.5442)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1054684. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.