Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 23, NWS Tucson, AZ
NWS Tucson, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Jul 12, 2026, 6:01 PM MST for Pima 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 12, 2026, 6:01 PM MST (01:01 UTC)
- Expired
- Jul 12, 2026, 9:00 PM MST
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Tucson, AZ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
County Pima County, AZ
The radar
The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 99 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:05 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, 1.0 hours before the alert went out and 120 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
- 351 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -109 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2912 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 30 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 9 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 73 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.1
The text
As transmitted.
491
WGUS55 KTWC 130101
FFWTWC
AZC019-130400-
/O.NEW.KTWC.FF.W.0023.260713T0101Z-260713T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
601 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
North Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 900 PM MST.
* At 601 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain
have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible
in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Queens Well and Silver Bell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
&&
LAT...LON 3250 11154 3250 11141 3231 11141 3221 11153
3223 11165 3226 11174 3251 11174 3251 11167
3250 11157
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
JRM2 follow-up statements
982
WGUS75 KTWC 130244
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
744 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
AZC019-130400-
/O.CON.KTWC.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260713T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
744 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MST THIS EVENING
FOR NORTH CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 744 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain have
fallen. Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is
expected. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Queens Well and Silver Bell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
&&
LAT...LON 3250 11154 3250 11141 3231 11141 3221 11153
3223 11165 3226 11174 3251 11174 3251 11167
3250 11157
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
JRM520
WGUS75 KTWC 130351
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
851 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
AZC019-130401-
/O.EXP.KTWC.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260713T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
851 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR NORTH
CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
Flash flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please
continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 3250 11154 3250 11141 3231 11141 3221 11153
3223 11165 3226 11174 3251 11174 3251 11167
3250 11157
$$
CWRWhat 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 Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 12, 12:05 PM MST, 5 hours 56 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, bringing a threat of strong to severe wind gusts with blowing dust and periods of heavy rainfall. An isolated flash flooding threat will also come with this activity. Greater coverage of thunderstorms will generally be through Pinal, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties with lowest coverage in eastern Cochise county.
- Thunderstorm chances will continue daily through the upcoming week with day to day variability in location and severity. High temperatures are forecast to sit around to just below normal Monday onwards.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 12, 12:05 PM MST, 5 hours 56 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tucson AZ 1205 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, bringing a threat of strong to severe wind gusts with blowing dust and periods of heavy rainfall. An isolated flash flooding threat will also come with this activity. Greater coverage of thunderstorms will generally be through Pinal, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties with lowest coverage in eastern Cochise county. - Thunderstorm chances will continue daily through the upcoming week with day to day variability in location and severity. High temperatures are forecast to sit around to just below normal Monday onwards. && .SYNOPSIS... Thunderstorm activity will return this afternoon and evening, bringing a threat of strong to severe wind gusts, blowing dust, and flash flooding. Thunderstorm chances will be greater in Pinal, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties with more isolated activity in eastern locations closer to the New Mexico border. Thunderstorm chances will continue through the upcoming week across southeastern Arizona with day to day variability in location and severity. && .DISCUSSION... A field of cumulus clouds is developing areas Tucson eastward with a few small thunderstorms are beginning to develop along the AZ/NM border. Surface dewpoints are now in the 50s out east gradually increasing into the low 60s in western Pima county with satellite derived PWATs around 1.4 to 1.6 inches. High PWAT is also shown in the 12Z upper air sounding launched in Phoenix with a value of 1.84 inches. Severe, organized thunderstorms are expected again this afternoon and evening. Forecast soundings continue to depict inverted-V soundings producing DCAPE between 1500-1800 J/kg. This instability combined with up to 20-25 kts of effective shear will be conducive to severe, organized thunderstorms. The 12Z HREF highlights an area from Tucson westward up to Phoenix of 10-30% chance for greater than 50 knot (58 mph) winds this afternoon into the evening. The 12Z issuance of the day 1 outlook produced by SPC has expanded the slight risk westward to now include all of the Tohono O'odham Nation. WPC maintains our area to be in marginal risk for excessive rainfall. Slower storm motion of 10 to 15 mph and ample moisture will preclude a widespread flash flooding threat, heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are likely with any thunderstorm. Storms will begin to initiate around 1 to 2 pm this afternoon in Cochise/ eastern Pima county gradually pushing westward as the evening progresses. Tomorrow, ample moisture will remain in place as the high pressure center oscillates around the Four Corners. The ingredients for severe weather are not as pronounced as they have been the past few days but still present for tomorrow. Inverted-V soundings are producing DCAPE around 1100-1300 J/kg. 12Z HREF has a 50-70% chance for 30 knot (35 mph) wind gusts therefore strong to severe winds will be a concern. SPC has our area in general risk for severe thunderstorms. Suitable moisture in place will also lead to localized flash flooding with stronger thunderstorms with rainfall rates of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour possible. WPC has our are in marginal risk for excessive rainfall. Healthy precipitable water values should remain in the area as mean flow continues out of the east, though shear should come down a bit by Tuesday as wind speeds aloft decrease with the ridge becoming further displaced to the northeast. Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms will continue through the week with day to day variability in locations and severity. Though there is some discrepancy in timing, ensemble models continue to show signs of an easterly wave arriving mid to late in the week, which would enhance thunderstorm chances. This wave along with the northern displacement of the ridge would bring high temperatures down below normal, with best chances of lower high temperatures currently falling Friday through the coming weekend. && .AVIATION...Valid through 14/00Z. Thunderstorm activity expected to develop after 12/20Z, especially near a KAVQ-KTUS-KOLS line. Scattered thunderstorms will then move west through the afternoon and evening. Severe wind gusts and blowing dust may accompany any thunderstorm along with heavy rain and mountain obscurations. Thunderstorm activity will decrease in coverage after 13/03Z with isolated light SHRA/-TSRA into the overnight hours. Surface winds in eastern areas including KSAD- KDUG continue east/southeast after increasing to 9-14 kts with gusts to 20 kts aft 13/15Z while winds elsewhere generally remain light and under 10 kts outside of thunderstorms. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER... Scattered thunderstorms expected to redevelop this afternoon, especially through Pinal, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties. Isolated activity in eastern areas. Any thunderstorm will likely bring strong and erratic winds with a few becoming severe. Winds outside of thunderstorms today will become east to southeast 10-15 mph with gusts to 22 mph in Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise counties, with more light and variable winds to the west. With moisture on the rise today, minimum relative humidities will be above 20-30 percent across the area and increasing further in the coming several days. Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are forecast through the upcoming week with day to day variability. && .TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Blowing Dust Advisory from 3 PM this afternoon to 7 PM MST this evening for AZZ501>505. && Malarkey/ Edwards Visit us on Facebook, X, YouTube, and at weather.gov/Tucson
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jul 12, 4:35 PM MST, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
435 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0421 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 6 SW Tucson 32.13N 110.95W
07/12/2026 M59 MPH Pima AZ ASOS
ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
Airport.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 12, 5:29 PM MST, 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
529 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0515 PM Dust Storm 5 N Avra Valley 32.51N 111.33W
07/12/2026 Pinal AZ Mesonet
1/4 mile visibility due to dust.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 12, 5:37 PM MST, 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
537 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0435 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 10 NE Tucson 32.29N 110.77W
07/12/2026 Pima AZ Public
Tree knocked down.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 12, 5:42 PM MST, 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
542 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0526 PM Flash Flood 8 SSW Tucson 32.09N 110.96W
07/12/2026 Pima AZ Fire Dept/Rescue
Swift water rescue at S Nogales Highway and
E Aerospace parkway.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 12, 5:53 PM MST, 8 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
553 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0534 PM Flash Flood 9 SSW Tucson 32.08N 110.96W
07/12/2026 Pima AZ Fire Dept/Rescue
Swift water rescue near S Nogales Highway
and S Old Nogales Highway.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 12, 5:54 PM MST, 7 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
554 PM MST Sun Jul 12 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0508 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 9 NNE Tucson 32.31N 110.82W
07/12/2026 M67 MPH Pima AZ Mesonet
Mesonet station QSGA3 Saguaro.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 5:08 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 52 min |
| Jul 12, 5:11 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 79 min |
| Jul 12, 5:11 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 49 min |
| Jul 12, 5:20 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pima | 85 min |
| Jul 12, 5:23 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 12, 5:41 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 12, 5:47 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 43 min |
| Jul 12, 6:18 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 57 min |
| Jul 12, 6:24 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Santa Cruz | 74 min |
| Jul 12, 6:28 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 45 min |
| Jul 12, 6:50 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 2 hr |
| Jul 12, 7:22 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 2 hr |
| Jul 12, 7:38 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 3 hr |
| Jul 12, 8:29 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 6 hr |
| Jul 12, 11:40 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Cochise | 3 hr |
| Jul 13, 12:01 AM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise | 36 min |
| Jul 13, 1:55 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Cochise | 2 hr |
| Jul 13, 3:42 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 13, 3:51 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 13, 4:47 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pinal | 43 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.