Flash Flood — Cochise, Arizona

2003-07-25 · near Sierra Vista, Cochise, Arizona

Wider weather episode

Another severe thunderstorm moved over Sierra Vista, nearly the same time as the microburst in Wilcox. However, this storm produced heavy precipitation resulting in a flash flood as well as strong winds. Most of the wind damage resulted in uprooted trees. More than 2.0 inches of rainfall occurred in less than one hours. There were several stranded vehicles and swift water rescues, reported by Bisbee dispatch. On Wilcox Drive, a business had more than 4 inches of water through the parking lot. The weight of water on the roof of another business collapsed, causing damage. Buena Vista High School reported half of an inch of water still residing in the school the following day. This event was especially tragic, with the death of a 31 year old school teacher. The woman was driving on Moson Road between Charleston Road and Highway 90 during the event. The vehicle was found buried in 2 feet of mud, with the woman's body found in a ravine 1.5 miles away.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5330170. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.