Flash Flood — Pima, Arizona

2011-09-15 · near Sahuarita, Pima, Arizona

Direct deaths

$500K

Property damage

Event narrative

Extremely heavy rainfall across southern Tucson resulted in significant wash and stream flooding downstream from Tucson. Overflowing washes toppled a wall in the Rancho Sahuarita subdivision in Sahuarita resulting in damage to 15 homes and a muddy mess. Water up to one foot was observed in some of the homes. The raging Santa Cruz River also claimed the life of a homeless man that was living under the Grant Road Bridge. Rescuers spotted the man holding onto the bridge pillar, but before they were able to reach him he lost his grip and was swept down the river. His body was found the next day near the Ina Road bridge.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system in northern Arizona interacted with abundant moisture to produce showers and thunderstorms across southern Arizona. Some of the storms produced large hail, torrential rains, and strong winds. The Tucson International Airport recorded the fifth wettest day in recorded history.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.9627, -110.9461)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 347657. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.