Flood — Cochise, Arizona

2022-08-24 to 2022-08-25 · near Elfrida, Cochise, Arizona

Event narrative

Rainfall of 2 at the headwaters of Rucker Creek traveled downstream and through and existing breach in a berm combined with rainfall in the immediate area, resulted in an exacerbation of flooding in Elfrida. Flood waters expanded west of Highway 191 and became deeper throughout most of the community. A total of 42 residences sustained at least some flood damage. Eleven sustained major damage and 3 were determined to be a total loss. A couple of businesses also sustained flood damage and floodwaters also affected septic tanks and wells.

Wider weather episode

A breach in a berm along Rucker Creek near the northeast edge of Elfrida caused flash flooding in part of town on August 23. Additional rainfall in town and upstream of the breach exacerbated the flooding later that day. Heavy rain well upstream traveled downstream through the breach and flooded more of the town on August 24 and 25. Several homes sustained significant flood damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.7154, -109.6628)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1054908. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.