Flash Flood — Pinal, Arizona

2014-09-08 · near Camp Bonito, Pinal, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy rainfall from Norbert extended into the early afternoon hours. Several additional swift water rescues occurred. One occurred in the Pima Wash on Rudasill Rd between 1st Avenue and Oracle Road, where a single occupant was successfully rescued after his vehicle was swept off the road by quickly flowing water. Around the same time but further north, a swift water rescue occurred near Hardy Rd and Northern Ave in Oro Valley. Yet another rescue occurred when a 69-year old man and his 76-year old wife got caught in flash flood waters near Highway 79 in Oracle Junction. The couple attempted to drive through flood waters near Suizo Road when their Honda Accord began floating down Cadillac Wash. They both exited the car and the man made it to dry land, but his wife was regrettably swept down the wash and perished as she was unable to swim.

Wider weather episode

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.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.3070, -110.8658)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 543205. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.