Flash Flood in Pima County, Arizona

Torrential rain associated with moisture from the remnants of tropical system Norbert caused extensive flooding of Tucson's east side. Many streets were inundated with 1 to 2 feet of water, stalling numerous vehicles. Several swift water rescues occurred including the rescue of driver of a truck near Pontatoc Road and River Road. Additionally, a female driver on East Calle Betelgeux drove into the lower water crossing of Alamo Wash. Flood waters swept her car against a pedestrian bridge where it was hung up when first responders arrived. Before they could reach the woman, the current pulled the car under the bridge and under water 12 feet deep. When the car was found less than a quarter mile downstream, near 22nd Street just west of Kolb Road, the driver had drown.

Moisture associated with Tropical Depression Norbert, once rated as strong as a Category 3 hurricane, contributed to very heavy rainfall across southeast Arizona during the morning and early afternoon hours of September 8th. Precipitable water values of 2.03 inches were noted on the 12z KTUS sounding. Rainfall amounts on September 8th totaled 1.5-2.5' over a large portion of northeast Pima and southern Pinal Counties. Amounts of 2.5 to 4.5' of rain fell along western portions of the Santa Catalina Mountains and adjacent areas of the Catalina Foothills, Casas Adobes, Oro Valley, Catalina and Oracle. The rainfall total at the Tucson International Airport for the 8th was 1.84', a calendar day record. Flash flooding in and around the Tucson Metro area was extensive with numerous swift water rescues occurring. Two separate instances of motorists driving into water which was rapidly flowing across roadways resulted in two fatalities. Larger river channels experienced high flows through the afternoon and evening, including the Rillito River, Caada del Oro Wash and Santa Cruz River.