Flash Flood — Pima, Arizona

2020-07-23 · near Tucson, Pima, Arizona

Event narrative

Flash flooding occurred across a large part of central and southwest Tucson. Around 2 inches of rain fell in 60-90 minutes from the Catalina Foothills near Alvernon Way west through Flowing Wells and south to Tucson Estates, Drexel Heights and the Pascua Pueblo. Rain totals of at least 3 to 4 inches in southwest Tucson caused numerous road closures, including San Xavier Rd near the Mission. Interstate 10 at Sunset Road was also closed briefly. Multiple vehicles became stranded in flood waters and several swift water rescues occurred in midtown. Vehicle rescues were noted on Fort Lowell Rd. at Tuscon Blvd and Stone Ave. and also near Glenn and Fairview. A man was also rescued from the Rillito River near the Tucson Mall. Farther south and west, a truck became stuck in Camino De Oeste Wash at Lloyd Bush Dr. A two to three foot wall of water progressed down the normally dry Santa Cruz River. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was drowning for a man pulled from the Santa Cruz River near Speedway.

Wider weather episode

Scattered thunderstorms developed and moved west across southeast Arizona from the predawn hours through early afternoon. Some storms produced heavy rain and flash flooding in and around the Tucson Metro area, including the Bighorn Fire burn scar area. Several swift water rescues were performed. One man drowned after a rapid rise in the normally dry Santa Cruz River.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.2838, -110.9218)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 913363. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.