Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 45, NWS Phoenix, AZ
NWS Phoenix, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Aug 19, 2026, 9:29 PM MST for Pinal 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
- Aug 19, 2026, 9:29 PM MST (04:29 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 20, 2026, 12:30 AM MST
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Phoenix, AZ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Damage threat
- Considerable
- Flood severity
- None
County Pinal County, AZ
The radar
The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 40 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 04:30 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, 4.5 hours before the alert went out and 72 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
- 1221 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -145 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2679 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 22 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 12 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 60 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.2
The text
As transmitted.
868
WGUS55 KPSR 200429
FFWPSR
AZC021-200730-
/O.NEW.KPSR.FF.W.0045.260820T0429Z-260820T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
929 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 1230 AM MST.
* At 929 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts
of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is
ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Florence.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3306 11122 3306 11130 3303 11140 3305 11140
3311 11147 3319 11143 3320 11136 3315 11125
3311 11115 3309 11118
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
TW2 follow-up statements
546
WGUS75 KPSR 200625
FFSPSR
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1125 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
AZC021-200730-
/O.CON.KPSR.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260820T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pinal AZ-
1125 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1230 AM MST THURSDAY
FOR PINAL COUNTY...
At 1125 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1
and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to
0.1 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing
or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Florence.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3306 11122 3306 11130 3303 11140 3305 11140
3311 11147 3319 11143 3320 11136 3315 11125
3311 11115 3309 11118
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
TW072
WGUS75 KPSR 200721
FFSPSR
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1221 AM MST Thu Aug 20 2026
AZC021-200731-
/O.EXP.KPSR.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260820T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pinal AZ-
1221 AM MST Thu Aug 20 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1230 AM MST EARLY THIS MORNING
FOR PINAL COUNTY...
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 3306 11122 3306 11130 3303 11140 3305 11140
3311 11147 3319 11143 3320 11136 3315 11125
3311 11115 3309 11118
$$
TWWhat 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 Phoenix, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 19, 4:25 PM MST, 5 hours 4 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening across eastern and south-central Arizona. Strong gusty winds, blowing dust and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain several degrees above daily normals through the rest of the week with lower desert highs ranging between 107-113 degrees and overnight lows generally in the mid 80s to low 90s.
- Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect through Sunday evening due to continued areas of major HeatRisk.
- Thunderstorm chances will continue through Thursday before decreasing in coverage by Friday or Saturday.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 19, 4:25 PM MST, 5 hours 4 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
425 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
.UPDATE...00Z Aviation Discussion
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening
across eastern and south-central Arizona. Strong gusty winds,
blowing dust and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain several degrees above daily
normals through the rest of the week with lower desert highs
ranging between 107-113 degrees and overnight lows generally in
the mid 80s to low 90s.
- Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect through Sunday evening due
to continued areas of major HeatRisk.
- Thunderstorm chances will continue through Thursday before
decreasing in coverage by Friday or Saturday.
&&
.SHORT TERM /TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
This evening and tonight remains to look promising with
thunderstorm and showers likely developing in the eastern AZ high
terrain and in Southern AZ. The subtropical ridge has promoted
easterly winds across the region and a gulf surge has lead an
increase in moisture with current PWATs between 1.5-1.6" for most
of south central AZ. This is a notable increase from 24 hours ago
where PWATs were generally between 1.2-1.3" across south central.
This moisture is expected to stay throughout today and tomorrow as
mixing ratios start to improve by this evening ranging between
10-12 g/kg. Current mesoscale analysis is already showing that the
high levels of CIN from this morning's 12Z sounding are starting
to erode to near or below 100 J/kg with forecast models continuing
to show further eroding by this evening to mostly below 100 J/kg.
Additionally, MUCAPE forecasted to climb to at least 1000 J/kg
across all of southern and most of central Arizona to as high as
2000-2250 J/kg across southeast Arizona by early afternoon. Models
are in great agreement in scattered thunderstorms starting to
develop along the Mogollon Rim into the White Mtns and over
portions of southeast Arizona. With these storms outflows are very
likely and it is very plausible we will have colliding outflows
somewhere over the Phoenix metro late this evening giving rise to
additional storm development. SPC has upgraded Pinal County,
portions of southern Maricopa County, and the southern tip of Gila
County into a slight risk for severe storms and a Marginal risk
still remains across the remainder of Gila, and Maricopa County
for today. We also can't rule out the threat for localized heavy
rainfall today, but storm movement should be enough to keep most
storms from producing more than an inch or so over any particular
location, but WPC has kept our region only in a Marginal risk for
excessive rainfall for today and tomorrow.
In addition to the chances for thunderstorms, another major impact
will be strong gusts and localized areas of dense blowing dust. With
the strong to severe storms likely tonight damaging winds will be a
concern, with DCAPE values forecasted up to 1600, strong outflows
are projected for tonight. HREF currently shows a 50-70% chance of
gusts above 35 mph by this evening in eastern Maricopa County and
Pinal County. Due to these conditions a Blowing Dust Advisory
remains in place until 10PM MST tonight.
Models are continuing to show Thursday being another fairly active
weather day as moisture will remain plentiful across the area and
the subtropical high center moves to over the Four Corners area.
However, depending on how active tonight ends up being the
atmosphere may be too worked over by tomorrow evening to produce
much in terms of severe storms, and lingering clouds well into the
morning hours may also inhibit heating, keeping instability lower
than today. That being said, if today is not as active as
anticipated, Thursday is likely to be the biggest storm coverage
day.
Hot and humid conditions are expected today with lower desert
afternoon highs between 108-112 degrees, but much higher heat
indices are forecast for locations across southeast California
through the Lower CO River Valley. Expect late afternoon heat
indices of 113-120 degrees in the aforementioned areas.
Temperatures are more uncertain for Thursday due to potential
impacts from storms this evening and lingering clouds, but NBM
guidance indicates very similar highs and heat indices again
breaching 110 degrees over the majority of the lower deserts.
&&
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Hot and somewhat humid conditions are expected to prevail through
the upcoming weekend with a high probability of the Extreme Heat
Warnings being extended soon. Forecast uncertainty has been an
issue for late this week into the weekend as storm chances were
higher with model runs earlier this week. However, it now seems
more likely than not drier air will move into the area beginning
Friday leading to much more limited shower and storm chances
through the upcoming weekend. The lower storm coverage and fairly
consistent upper level heights should keep daily highs right
around 110 degrees or even a couple degrees above through the
weekend. Guidance does hint at some better moisture advecting into
the area early next week, but the latest trends show the ridge
center drifting back toward our region. If that holds true, our
convective potential should remain on the lower side with little
to no relief from the hot temperatures.
&&
.AVIATION...Updated at 2325Z.
South Central Arizona including KPHX, KIWA, KSDL, and KDVT:
Main aviation concern during the TAF period continues to be gusty
outflow winds and VCTS/VCSH this evening. What direction potential
outflow, or even outflows, is highly conditional on convective
evolution over high terrain area and Southeast Arizona, but
confidence is higher that any boundary should contain some degree
of an easterly component. Current TAFs favor a SE outflow, which,
if strong enough, would bring BLDU impacts to the terminals,
especially at KIWA. Outflows may trigger convection in the
vicinity of the airports which may lower VIS and create gusty and
erratic winds. However, these storms will also be highly
conditional on outflow evolution. Lingering showers cannot be
ruled through about 09Z, but conditions should dry out after that.
Outside of this evening and early tonight, winds should follow
familiar diurnal trends, with period of variability during the
morning hours.
Southeast California/Southwest Arizona including KIPL and KBLH:
No aviation weather concerns will exist through the next 24 hours
under FEW-SCT high cloud decks. Winds at KIPL will favor a
southeasterly component while a southerly component will be common
at KBLH. Periods of VRB conditions cannot be ruled out around dawn
at each terminal. There is a low possibility of an easterly
outflow from distant thunderstorms reaching KBLH late tonight, but
chances are too low to warrant mention in the TAF at this time..
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
For today, expect above normal temperatures with increasing
moisture and rain chances. Scattered thunderstorms producing
gusty winds are likely to impact the eastern districts from late
afternoon through this evening. Elevated moisture levels will
persist through Thursday with additional chances for scattered
showers and storms before some slight drying and lower rain
chances occurs Friday into the weekend. MinRHs of 20-30% are
anticipated through Thursday before lowering to 15-25% beginning
Friday. Outside of gusty and erratic winds near any thunderstorm,
overall winds will follow the typical diurnal tendencies with some
modest afternoon upslope gustiness.
&&
.PSR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AZ...Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM MST Sunday for AZZ530>544-546-
548>551-553>555-559-560.
Blowing Dust Advisory until 10 PM MST this evening for
AZZ538>540-550-551-553-554-559.
CA...Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM PDT Sunday for CAZ562-565>567-
569-570.
&&
SHORT TERM...Ryan/Kuhlman
LONG TERM...Kuhlman
AVIATION...RW
FIRE WEATHER...KuhlmanIn the hours before
Special weather statement, Aug 19, 4:44 PM MST, 4 hours 45 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
444 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
AZZ558-560-562-563-200030-
Southeast Gila County AZ-San Carlos AZ-Globe/Miami AZ-
Pinal/Superstition Mountains AZ-
444 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT GILA COUNTY THROUGH 530 PM
MST...
At 444 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
San Carlos, or 11 miles east of Globe, moving southwest at 5 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Globe, San Carlos, and Cutter.
This includes the following highways...
US Highway 60 between mile markers 254 and 261.
AZ Route 70 between mile markers 257 and 269.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM MST for
east central Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3340 11039 3338 11045 3335 11045 3323 11057
3346 11079 3360 11053 3342 11037
TIME...MOT...LOC 2344Z 060DEG 6KT 3341 11055
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TWSpecial weather statement, Aug 19, 7:19 PM MST, 2 hours 10 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
719 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
AZZ558-560-562-563-200245-
Southeast Gila County AZ-San Carlos AZ-Globe/Miami AZ-
Pinal/Superstition Mountains AZ-
719 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT GILA COUNTY THROUGH 745 PM
MST...
At 719 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northeast of Globe, moving west at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Globe, Central Heights-Midland City, and Claypool.
This includes the following highways...
US Highway 60 between mile markers 246 and 268.
AZ Route 70 between mile markers 253 and 258.
AZ Route 77 between mile markers 169 and 170.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM MST for
east central Arizona.
&&
LAT...LON 3361 11052 3343 11049 3330 11081 3356 11090
TIME...MOT...LOC 0219Z 070DEG 19KT 3348 11068
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
KBSpecial weather statement, Aug 19, 8:23 PM MST, 1 hour 6 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
823 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
AZZ537-538-540>559-562-200630-
Fountain Hills/East Mesa-Sonoran Desert Natl Monument-Mazatzal
Mountains-Tonto Basin-Cave Creek/New River-Northwest Pinal
County-Southeast Valley/Queen Creek-Tonopah Desert-East Valley-Apache
Junction/Gold Canyon-Superior-Rio Verde/Salt River-West Pinal
County-Pinal/Superstition Mountains-North Phoenix/Glendale-South
Mountain/Ahwatukee-New River Mesa-Scottsdale/Paradise
Valley-Buckeye/Avondale-Globe/Miami-Central Phoenix-Deer
Valley-Northwest Valley-
823 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED ACROSS GILA...MARICOPA AND
PINAL COUNTIES...
At 823 PM MST, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located near
Randolph, or near Coolidge, moving northwest at 25 mph.
Conditions are becoming more favorable for the development of
additional thunderstorms. Some storms may become strong to severe.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible.
Strong, gusty winds will be capable of producing areas of blowing
dust with reduced visibilities.
Locations impacted include...
Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe,
Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Apache
Junction, El Mirage, Florence, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley,
Coolidge, and Tolleson.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 106 and 204.
AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 220.
AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 148 and 178.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3332 11076 3321 11092 3324 11094 3274 11165
3273 11174 3280 11178 3276 11205 3272 11207
3272 11211 3353 11282 3394 11147
TIME...MOT...LOC 0323Z 127DEG 22KT 3295 11148
KBLocal storm report, Aug 19, 8:54 PM MST, 35 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
854 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0805 PM Blowing Dust 5 NNW Arizona City 32.81N 111.71W
08/19/2026 Pinal AZ Utility Company
A utility company camera near the
intersection of Interstates 10 and 8 south
of Casa Grande showed visibility dropping
below 1 mile in blowing dust.
&&
TWLocal storm report, Aug 19, 9:25 PM MST, 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
925 PM MST Wed Aug 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0920 PM Dust Storm 5 E Phoenix Mesa Gatewa 33.30N 111.57W
08/19/2026 Pinal AZ Utility Company
An Arizona Department of Transportation
traffic camera showed visibility dropping
below one quarter mile in dense blowing
dust.
&&
TWThe office that day
Everything else NWS Phoenix, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19, 7:19 PM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | Gila | 26 min |
| Aug 19, 7:51 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 54 min |
| Aug 19, 8:01 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Gila, Maricopa, Pinal | 44 min |
| Aug 19, 8:23 PM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | Maricopa | 3 hr |
| Aug 19, 8:32 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | PSR | Gila | 3 hr |
| Aug 19, 8:46 PM MST | Dust Storm Advisory | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 89 min |
| Aug 19, 8:53 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Gila, Maricopa, Pinal | 37 min |
| Aug 19, 8:56 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Pinal | 49 min |
| Aug 19, 9:03 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 42 min |
| Aug 19, 9:11 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Gila, Maricopa | 34 min |
| Aug 19, 9:14 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 61 min |
| Aug 19, 9:46 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 44 min |
| Aug 19, 10:11 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | PSR | Pinal | 3 hr |
| Aug 19, 10:29 PM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | Maricopa | 61 min |
| Aug 19, 10:59 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | PSR | Maricopa | 61 min |
| Aug 19, 11:01 PM MST | Dust Storm Advisory | PSR | Maricopa, Pinal | 59 min |
| Aug 20, 12:02 AM MST | Dust Storm Advisory | PSR | La Paz, Maricopa, Yuma | 58 min |
| Aug 20, 12:52 AM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | PSR | Maricopa | 3 hr |
| Aug 20, 1:45 AM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | 30 min | |
| Aug 20, 1:56 AM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | La Paz | 34 min |
| Aug 20, 2:08 AM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PSR | La Paz | 21 min |
| Aug 20, 2:20 AM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | Maricopa | 25 min |
| Aug 20, 2:26 AM MST | Special Weather Statement | PSR | 49 min |
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.