Flash Flood — Coconino, Arizona

2024-08-22 · near Havasupai, Coconino, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy rain fell over the Catract Creek and Havasu Creek drainages. Radar estimated 1-2 of rain fell early in the afternoon of August 22nd. Flash flooding occurred which resulted in many people being evacuated from the campgrounds on the creek, with helicopter evacuations for people stranded at the remote village of Supai. At least 6 homes had flood damage in the Village of Supai. Over 100 campers were stranded in the campground. One person was washed away near the confluence with the Colorado River. Her body was recovered over 18 miles down the Colorado River three days later.

Wider weather episode

A complex of showers and thunderstorms traversed portions of northern Arizona early in the morning with rainfall rates around 0.10-0.30 inches per hour. There was a brief lull in activity around daybreak to mid morning. The the second round of widespread showers and thunderstorms developed by the late morning into early afternoon. Dynamics from an approaching trough helped to enhance storm activity during the afternoon and evening.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.3166, -112.7613)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1213235. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.