Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 49, NWS Flagstaff, AZ
NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Jul 20, 2026, 6:39 PM MST for Gila County, Arizona. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 20, 2026, 6:39 PM MST (01:39 UTC)
- Expired
- Jul 20, 2026, 9:45 PM MST
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Flagstaff, AZ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Damage threat
- Considerable
- Flood severity
- None
County Gila County, AZ
The radar
The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 87 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 00:00Z, 1.7 hours before the alert went out and 104 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 107 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -200 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2659 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 23 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 2 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 86 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- -0.0
The text
As transmitted.
547
WGUS55 KFGZ 210139
FFWFGZ
AZC007-210445-
/O.NEW.KFGZ.FF.W.0049.260721T0139Z-260721T0445Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
639 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
The Billy Fire scar in...
Gila County in east central Arizona...
* Until 945 PM MST.
* At 639 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain over the Billy Fire scar. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain
has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding in and around the Billy Fire scar.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the
Billy Fire scar.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Sierra Ancha Wilderness.
This includes State Route 288 between mile markers 273 and 286.
This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds...
Reynolds Creek Campground, Rose Creek Campground, Coon Creek
Campground and Elks Youth Camp.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Flash flooding downstream of the Billy Fire scar is imminent or
occurring. Low water crossings will quickly become inundated and
impassable. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways, and stay away
from creeks, streams and washes.
&&
LAT...LON 3388 11105 3388 11087 3377 11080 3365 11079
3367 11081 3369 11083 3368 11085 3376 11090
3372 11093 3365 11090 3364 11092 3375 11098
3376 11099 3384 11099
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
McCollum1 follow-up statement
216
WGUS75 KFGZ 210436
FFSFGZ
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
936 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026
AZC007-210446-
/O.EXP.KFGZ.FF.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260721T0445Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gila AZ-
936 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR THE BILLY FIRE SCAR WILL EXPIRE AT 945 PM
MST THIS EVENING FOR GILA COUNTY...
The heavy rain over the Billy Fire Scar has ended. Flooding is no
longer expected to pose a threat.
&&
LAT...LON 3388 11105 3388 11087 3377 11080 3365 11079
3367 11081 3369 11083 3368 11085 3376 11090
3372 11093 3365 11090 3364 11092 3375 11098
3376 11099 3384 11099
$$
McCollumWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Flagstaff, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 20, 4:54 PM MST, 1 hour 45 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 20, 4:54 PM MST, 1 hour 45 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 454 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026 .SYNOPSIS...Deep monsoonal moisture will remain over the area through at least mid week, with a slight decrease later in the week. With this moisture comes the daily threat of thunderstorms, along with the risk for locally heavy rainfall and flooding. Daytime temperatures will remain at or below normal much of the week, with hotter temperatures possible toward the weekend. && .DISCUSSION...An active monsoon pattern is forecast to remain in place across northern Arizona for the next several days as a ridge of high pressure centered over Colorado continues to pump deep sub-tropical moisture into the region. Precipitable water (PW) values are exceptionally high for mid-July, with guidance showing an inch or more across northern Arizona, surface dew points in the 50s at higher elevations, and dew points in the 60s at lower elevations. High-resolution model guidance indicates unusually high instability today, with CAPE values, a measure of atmospheric instability, ranging from 1000 to 2500 J/kg across the area. The highest instability is concentrated along and south of the Mogollon Rim. Coincident with the areas of highest instability, pockets of 0-6km wind shear between 20 and 30 knots are forecast. These shear values are higher than typically observed in mid- July, and is expected to enhance storm organization and the severe weather threat. As a result, we will be monitoring for flash flooding alongside a moderate risk for powerful storms capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. Convective development is expected to increase over the higher terrain around noon before storms drift westward at 5-10 mph. The monsoon high pressure cell is forecast to remain relatively stationary over the next few days, ensuring that deep moisture stays locked in place across northern Arizona. On Tuesday, an inverted trough will move along the western side of the ridge and track across Arizona, passing overhead on Wednesday. This feature may provide additional dynamical lift to aid convective development. From Thursday onward, a shift in the synoptic pattern is anticipated as the majority of model guidance shows the monsoon high pressure cell strengthening and migrating westward. This retrograding position will bring warming aloft, resulting in more stable conditions. Under this scenario, we would see a downward trend in storm activity and a gradual warming trend through the end of the week. However, this shift will not bring a complete shutdown in monsoon activity. The extended forecast maintains probability of precipitation values of 30-50% over the higher terrain, and 30% or less for the lower elevations. && .AVIATION...Tuesday 21/00Z through Wednesday 22/00Z...Scattered to numerous SHRA/TSRA will continue through 06Z. KPGA has remained dry and will continue to stay dry through 05Z. Stronger storms this evening will be capable of producing wind gusts 30-45 kt, hail, and brief MVFR and IFR conditions. After 06Z, activity becoming isolated to low-end scattered. Localized IFR conditions due to low clouds and fog are possible during the overnight hours. Outside of storms, winds light and variable. Another active day is expected of monsoon storms is expected Tuesday. Expect scattered to numerous SHRA/TSRA with isolated +TSRA from late Tuesday morning (~17Z) through the afternoon hours (~00Z). The primary threat will be MVFR to IFR conditions in heavy rain. Gusty outflow winds up to 45 kts and hail are also possible. OUTLOOK...Wednesday 22/00Z through Friday 24/00Z...Expect scattered to numerous SHRA/TSRA and isolated +TSRA Through Wednesday, then as monsoon moisture decreases SHRA/TSRA coverage will become scattered, but will continue to develop during the late morning through late afternoon hours Thursday and Friday. Any stronger storms will produce brief MVFR to IFR conditions. Some IFR low clouds and fog possible, mainly for overnight hours. Outside of storms, expect light winds around 5-10 kts. && .FIRE WEATHER...Today and Tuesday...A medium to high grade monsoon environment continues, with generally light winds outside of outflow and thunderstorm activity. Most storms will produce wetting rain and any stronger storms may produce flash flooding and hail, especially through Tuesday evening. Thursday through Saturday...Chances for showers and thunderstorms continue, though coverage will decrease somewhat. Generally light winds outside of outflow and thunderstorm activity. Most storms will produce wetting rain and any stronger storms may produce localized flash flooding. Expect a warming trend and minimum RH back to around 20% for the lowest elevations. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening for AZZ004>009-012>018-039-040. && PUBLIC...RR AVIATION...Schank FIRE WEATHER...Zanker For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jul 20, 6:02 PM MST, 37 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
602 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0320 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 6 ENE Dilkon 35.44N 110.23W
07/20/2026 Navajo AZ Public
Pictures on social media showed metal frame
greenhouses damaged, with some poles bent.
Photos also showed a large tree uprooted and
large branches broken off.
&&
JLSThe office that day
Everything else NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 5:37 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Coconino, Gila, Navajo | 38 min |
| Jul 20, 6:36 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Gila | 24 min |
| Jul 20, 7:00 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | FGZ | Gila | 3 hr |
| Jul 20, 7:25 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Apache | 35 min |
| Jul 20, 7:57 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Apache, Navajo | 33 min |
| Jul 20, 8:05 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | FGZ | Gila | 3 hr |
| Jul 21, 12:15 AM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Coconino | 30 min |
| Jul 21, 12:55 AM MST | Special Weather Statement | FGZ | 35 min | |
| Jul 21, 1:06 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Apache | 24 min |
| Jul 21, 1:33 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | FGZ | Coconino, Gila | 3 hr |
| Jul 21, 1:56 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FGZ | Apache | 34 min |
| Jul 21, 3:30 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | FGZ | Navajo | 3 hr |
| Jul 21, 4:55 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | FGZ | Yavapai | 3 hr |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Arizona, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.