Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 57, NWS Tucson, AZ
NWS Tucson, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Jul 17, 2026, 3:04 PM MST for Pima County, Arizona. It was in force for 3 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 17, 2026, 3:04 PM MST (22:04 UTC)
- Expired
- Jul 17, 2026, 6:00 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 Tucson radar (KEMX), 38 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:02 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 17, 3:29 PM MST | FLASH FLOOD | 3 Ssw Tucson, AZ | Corrects previous flash flood report from 3 SSW Tucson. Swift water rescue on Julian Wash at Palo Verde Rd. Initial reports of at least 1 person in wash. |
| Jul 17, 3:29 PM MST | FLASH FLOOD | 3 Ssw Tucson, AZ | Swift water on Julian Wash at Palo Verde Rd. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 25 minutes after it went out.
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 12:00Z, 10.1 hours before the alert went out and 174 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
- 57 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -106 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1188 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 9 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 22 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 59 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
421
WGUS55 KTWC 172204
FFWTWC
AZC019-180100-
/O.NEW.KTWC.FF.W.0057.260717T2204Z-260718T0100Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
304 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
East Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 600 PM MST.
* At 304 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen, centered from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base across
the south side of Tucson. 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...
Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Drexel Heights, South Tucson,
Tucson International Airport and Rita Ranch.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 19 between mile markers 60 and 63. Route 86 between mile
markers 168 and 171. Interstate 10 between mile markers 259 and 271.
This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations...
Harrison Rd at Pantano Wash, Escalante Rd at Atterbury Wash and
Drexel Rd east of Alvernon Way.
This includes the following streams and drainages...
West Branch Santa Cruz River, Chico, Arroyo, Santa Cruz River,
Tanque Verde Wash, Pantano Wash and Rillito River.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
&&
LAT...LON 3211 11076 3220 11077 3223 11095 3221 11104
3219 11107 3217 11105 3213 11097 3210 11084
3208 11078
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
GEL4 follow-up statements
155
WGUS75 KTWC 172222
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
322 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
AZC019-180100-
/O.CON.KTWC.FF.W.0057.000000T0000Z-260718T0100Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
322 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING
FOR EAST CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 322 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain across portions of the Tucson
Metro, extending from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base westward across
the south side of Tucson. An automated rain gauge at the Tucson
Electric Power Power just west of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base has
recorded 1.81 inches in the last hour. Additional rainfall amounts of
0.5 to 1.5 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...
Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Drexel Heights, South Tucson,
Tucson International Airport and Rita Ranch.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 19 between mile markers 60 and 63. Route 86 between mile
markers 168 and 171. Interstate 10 between mile markers 259 and 271.
This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations...
Harrison Rd at Pantano Wash, Escalante Rd at Atterbury Wash and
Drexel Rd east of Alvernon Way.
This includes the following streams and drainages...
West Branch Santa Cruz River, Julian Wash, Chico, Arroyo, Santa
Cruz River, Tanque Verde Wash, Pantano Wash and Rillito River.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3211 11076 3220 11077 3223 11095 3221 11104
3219 11107 3217 11105 3213 11097 3210 11084
3208 11078
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
GEL910
WGUS75 KTWC 172258
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
358 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
AZC019-180100-
/O.CON.KTWC.FF.W.0057.000000T0000Z-260718T0100Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
358 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING
FOR EAST CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 358 PM MST, local law enforcement reported flash flooding along
the Julian Wash impacting roadways such as Palo Verde Rd. Between 1
and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen just to the west and southwest of
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base . Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5
inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already
occurring.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Drexel Heights, South Tucson
and Tucson International Airport.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 19 between mile markers 60 and 63. Route 86 between mile
markers 168 and 171. Interstate 10 between mile markers 259 and 270.
This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations...
Drexel Rd east of Alvernon Way.
This includes the following streams and drainages...
West Branch Santa Cruz River, Julian Wash, Chico Arroyo, Santa Cruz
River, Pantano Wash and Rillito River.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3213 11083 3221 11083 3223 11095 3221 11104
3219 11107 3217 11105 3213 11097 3210 11084
FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
GEL097
WGUS75 KTWC 180016
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
516 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
AZC019-180100-
/O.CON.KTWC.FF.W.0057.000000T0000Z-260718T0100Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
516 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS EVENING
FOR EAST CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 516 PM MST, local law enforcement reported thunderstorms producing
heavy rain in along the Julian Wash impacting roadways such as Palo
Verde Rd. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flooding
impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected. Flash
flooding is already occurring.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Drexel Heights, South Tucson
and Tucson International Airport.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 19 between mile markers 60 and 63. Route 86 between mile
markers 168 and 171. Interstate 10 between mile markers 259 and 270.
This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations...
Drexel Rd east of Alvernon Way.
This includes the following streams and drainages...
Pantano Wash, West Branch Santa Cruz River, Chico, Arroyo, Santa
Cruz River and Rillito River.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3213 11083 3221 11083 3223 11095 3221 11104
3219 11107 3217 11105 3213 11097 3210 11084
FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
$$
KJS228
WGUS75 KTWC 180052
FFSTWC
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
552 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
AZC019-180102-
/O.EXP.KTWC.FF.W.0057.000000T0000Z-260718T0100Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
552 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR EAST
CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
The heavy rain has ended. Flood waters have receded, though some flow
will continue in area washes. Flooding is no longer expected to pose
a threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 3213 11083 3221 11083 3223 11095 3221 11104
3219 11107 3217 11105 3213 11097 3210 11084
$$
GELWhat 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 17, 2:55 PM MST, 9 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 17, 2:55 PM MST, 9 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tucson AZ 255 PM MST Fri Jul 17 2026 .SYNOPSIS...Scattered showers and thunderstorms into this evening with an elevated risk of flash flooding, especially across those areas that received heavy rainfall Thursday. Otherwise, chances for thunderstorms will continue into this weekend with possible uptick in activity next Monday and Tuesday. && .DISCUSSION...Not surprising that thunderstorm activity today has been much less than what occurred on Thursday. Atmosphere is a little worked over but is still rather moist that any thunderstorm will be capable of producing rain rates of >1"/hour leading to continued threat of localized flash flooding. Very low end severe threat with max gusts up to 45 mph. Activity will be diminishing later this evening with some model guidance indicating an area of showers/storms may develop overnight between Phoenix & Tucson. The upper low currently over west Texas will become a player in our forecast next week. This weekend: Afternoon/evening storm activity mainly east and south of Tucson. Monday and Tuesday: Uptick in daily activity as the above mentioned upper low that is currently over west Texas moves across the area in a weakened state. Wednesday and Friday: Daily chance of showers and thunderstorms continue. High temperatures will remain below normal thru Tuesday then warm up to above normal by the end of next week. && .AVIATION...Valid through 19/00Z. Widely scattered to scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue 18/07Z before slowly diminishing thru 18/13z. Heavy rain, mountain obscurations, and erratic strong wind gusts of 30-40 kts possible with any storm, with ceilings mainly 9k-12k feet. Outside of thunderstorms, surface winds generally under 10 kts. Chance of -SHRA/TS developing aft 18/19z. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER...Daily chances for thunderstorms will continue each afternoon and evening through the next 7 days with day to day variability. Minimum relative humidity 25-30 percent in the lower desert locations and above 40 percent in the mountains this week. Winds this week will remain mainly light and under 15 mph, though strong and erratic winds will be possible with any thunderstorm. && .TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && Visit us on Facebook, X, YouTube, and at weather.gov/Tucson
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jul 17, 9:29 AM MST, 5 hours 35 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
929 AM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0513 PM Flash Flood 1 SW Rio Rico 31.47N 110.99W
07/16/2026 Santa Cruz AZ County Official
*** 2 FATAL ***
[Delayed report]: 2 deceased individuals
reported in the Santa Cruz River. Recovery
ongoing.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 17, 10:00 AM MST, 5 hours 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
1000 AM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0900 AM Flood 4 S Santa Rosa 32.28N 112.06W
07/17/2026 Pima AZ Emergency Mngr
Washes running on Route 15.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 17, 10:16 AM MST, 4 hours 48 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
1016 AM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0535 PM Flash Flood 14 NW Sells 32.03N 112.07W
07/16/2026 Pima AZ Emergency Mngr
[Delayed report] Several washes running
across HWY 86 between mile marker 99-106.
&&
KLMLocal storm report, Jul 17, 10:50 AM MST, 4 hours 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
1050 AM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0630 PM Flash Flood 6 ENE Tombstone 31.74N 109.96W
07/16/2026 Cochise AZ Fire Dept/Rescue
[Delayed report] Wash flowing across Gleeson
Rd.
0630 PM Flash Flood 2 WSW Tombstone 31.71N 110.08W
07/16/2026 Cochise AZ Fire Dept/Rescue
[Delayed report] Wash flowing across
Charleston Rd.
&&Local storm report, Jul 17, 11:28 AM MST, 3 hours 36 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
1128 AM MST Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0400 PM Flash Flood 11 W Huachuca City 31.66N 110.53W
07/16/2026 Santa Cruz AZ Trained Spotter
[Delayed report] 4 to 6 inches of water
flowing across roadway near Rochelle and
Lower Elgin Rd.
&&
KLMThe office that day
Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 5:01 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Cochise | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 5:12 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Santa Cruz | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 5:23 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 5:33 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Graham | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 5:33 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 6:26 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 114 min |
| Jul 16, 6:31 PM MST | Dust Storm Advisory | TWC | Pinal | 74 min |
| Jul 16, 7:41 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 3 hr |
| Jul 16, 8:16 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Pima | 4 hr |
| Jul 17, 8:53 AM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Pima | 112 min |
| Jul 17, 1:51 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 2 hr |
| Jul 17, 2:57 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Cochise | 3 hr |
| Jul 17, 3:05 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 31 min |
| Jul 17, 4:54 PM MST | Areal Flood Advisory | TWC | Pinal | 66 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.