Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 94, NWS Tucson, AZ

August 3, 2026Pima County, Arizona

NWS Tucson, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Aug 3, 2026, 9:18 PM MST for Pima County, Arizona. It was in force for 36 min. 1 report 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
Aug 3, 2026, 9:18 PM MST (04:18 UTC)
Expired
Aug 3, 2026, 9:54 PM MST
In force
36 min
Issued by
NWS Tucson, AZ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Pima County, AZ

The radar

The Tucson radar (KEMX), 105 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 04:20 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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 3, 9:30 PM MSTFLASH FLOOD9 Sse Sells, AZDelayed report. Significant flooding along San Manuel 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 one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 12 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 00:00Z, 4.3 hours before the alert went out and 196 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Phoenix, AZ at 00:00Z on 2026-08-04Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 119 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Phoenix, AZ at 00:00Z on 2026-08-04The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 27 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
119 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-158 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
3631 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
17 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
27 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
52 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

952 
WGUS55 KTWC 040418
FFWTWC
AZC019-040715-
/O.NEW.KTWC.FF.W.0094.260804T0418Z-260804T0715Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
918 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  South Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona...

* Until 1215 AM MST.

* At 918 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area, primarily in the Tohono O'odham
  Nation. 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...
  Topawa, San Miguel, Vamori, South Komelik, Cowlic, Choulic,
  Newfield, Coldfields, Sasabe, Fresnal Canyon and Hashan Chuchg.

This includes Route 286 between mile markers 1 and 13.

This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations...
Indian Route 19 south of Topawa.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Lopez Wash, Chutum Vaya Wash, Santa Margarita Wash, Vamori Wash,
  Moras Wash, Las, Sasabe, Arroyo del, Thomas Canyon Wash, Legunita
  Wash, Baboquivari Wash, Puertocito Wash, Compartidero, Arroyo del,
  Topawa Wash, Canoa Wash, Fresnal Wash, Big Wash, Fresno Wash,
  Sabino Wash, Ali Molina Wash, Contreras Wash, Mulberry Wash, Altar
  Wash, Placeritos Wash, Solano Wash, Bailey Wash, Little Thomas Wash
  and Osa Wash, La.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3162 11197 3183 11199 3190 11171 3190 11156
      3163 11148 3147 11148 3147 11151

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

GEL
1 follow-up statement
085 
WGUS75 KTWC 040454
FFSTWC

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
954 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

AZC019-040504-
/O.CAN.KTWC.FF.W.0094.000000T0000Z-260804T0715Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pima AZ-
954 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR SOUTH CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...

The heavy rain has ended. Flood waters have receded. Flooding is no
longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining
road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3162 11197 3183 11199 3190 11171 3190 11156
      3163 11148 3147 11148 3147 11151

$$

JRG

What 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 Aug 3, 1:17 PM MST, 8 hours 1 minute earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 3, 1:17 PM MST, 8 hours 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
117 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

.SYNOPSIS...

Chances for thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and
evening this week with day to day variability. Thunderstorms may
produce severe outflow winds with areas of blowing dust, as well
as locally heavy rainfall with a flash flooding risk. High
temperatures will remain a few degrees above normal through the
week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

An upper level high currently centered over central Arizona will
gradually lift north into the Four Corners through the week.
The high's current position and orientation has allowed for
active easterly flow to set up over southeastern Arizona, while
surface dew points have increased to the upper 50s to lower 60s
across the area. Under modestly divergent flow aloft,
thunderstorms are expected to initiate over the Sky Islands and
White Mountains early to mid afternoon today, with the easterly
flow moving and expanding their coverage westward through the
evening. 1000-2000 J/kg of MLCAPE and 1.2-1.6 inches of
precipitable water will provide ample instability, combining
with 15-25 knots of effective shear for a severe, organized
thunderstorm threat. While most of southeastern Arizona has at
least a 30-50 percent chance of thunderstorms today, coverage
should be greatest through southern Cochise, Santa Cruz, and
into south central Pima counties. It's in this area, especially
Santa Cruz, where potential for multiple storm cells and
subsequent flash flooding is greater. A Flood Watch remains in
effect this afternoon and evening.

Elsewhere today a scattered severe wind threat remains,
especially where the 12Z HREF highlights the stronger potential
for organized severe outflows transitioning south off the White
Mountains this afternoon and this evening further west if
thunderstorm outflows organize west of Tucson. These winds will
likely produce a blowing dust threat, especially in dust prone
areas of I-10 east of Willcox and west of Tucson into Pinal and
through central to western Pima. A Blowing Dust Advisory remains
in place for this potential, with the possibility that warnings
will be needed where organized outflows kick up areas of very
dense blowing dust. Finally, an isolated severe hail threat
can't be ruled out with any sustained thunderstorm today.

On Tuesday the upper high nudges north slightly while keeping
easterly flow in place over the region. Again scattered
thunderstorms are likely, however location will depend on
today's action. 12Z guidance points to a later start with an
emphasis on eastern areas, mainly Graham, Greenlee, Cochise,
into Santa Cruz counties. Forecast soundings further west (such
as at Tucson) show a modest warming inversion which would line
up with the start in the east. A late evening push into
Pima/Pinal counties however can't be ruled out, depending on the
longevity and organization of outflows. The CAPE/shear
parameter space will remain impressive for severe winds and
blowing dust, along with an isolated flash flooding risk.
Additional blowing dust headlines for tomorrow in eastern
locations may be needed if this trend continues.

Favorable flow for monsoon activity continues through the week
with the upper high drifting north towards the Four Corners
with day to day variability. Forecast high temperatures will
fall to 2-4 degrees above normal, with some variability due to
thunderstorm activity and cloud cover.

&&

.AVIATION...Valid through 05/00Z.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this
afternoon mainly between 03/21Z to 04/03Z with lingering
isolated activity through 04/06Z. Coverage around KTUS more
likely 03/23Z-04/03Z and KOLS 03/22Z-04/04Z. Gusty erratic winds
of 35-45 kts possible with any thunderstorm with potentially
blowing dust. Otherwise SFC winds WLY/NWLY at 8-12 kts with
occasional afternoon gusts to 20 kts. SFC winds light and
terrain driven after 03/04Z. Scattered thunderstorm chances
return Tuesday afternoon and evening. Aviation discussion not
updated for TAF amendments.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

An active monsoon period looks favorable this week with daily
chances for showers and thunderstorms each afternoon and
evening, with day to day variability. Minimum relative humidity
values will likely remain above 25-40 percent through the week
with temperatures 2-4 degrees above normal. Outside of
thunderstorms, winds terrain driven to around 10 mph with
occasional afternoon gusts to 25 mph.

&&

.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM MST this evening for
AZZ501>509.
Flood Watch from 2 PM this afternoon to 10 PM MST this evening
for AZZ503-504-507-513-515.
Blowing Dust Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM MST
this evening for AZZ503-504-507>509.
Blowing Dust Advisory from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 PM MST
this evening for AZZ501-502-505-506.

&&

DISCUSSION...Edwards
AVIATION...Edwards
FIRE WEATHER...Edwards

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In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 3, 5:35 PM MST, 3 hours 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
535 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0430 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     18 SE Willcox           32.04N 109.66W
08/03/2026  M88 MPH          Cochise            AZ   Public

            88 mph measured gust on personal weather
            station.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:03 PM MST, 3 hours 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
603 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0525 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     31 SE Willcox           31.88N 109.53W
08/03/2026  M58 MPH          Cochise            AZ   Mesonet

            Mesonet station GW5790 Sunizona.

0425 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     18 SE Willcox           32.04N 109.65W
08/03/2026  M59 MPH          Cochise            AZ   Mesonet

            Mesonet station DVI08030 Willcox.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:35 PM MST, 2 hours 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
635 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0530 PM     Flash Flood      8 NE Huachuca City      31.70N 110.23W
08/03/2026                   Cochise            AZ   Other Federal

            Babocomari River near Tombstone exceeded
            bankfull at 4 ft.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:27 PM MST, 1 hour 51 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
727 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0722 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     6 SW Tucson             32.13N 110.95W
08/03/2026  M68 MPH          Pima               AZ   ASOS

            ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
            Airport.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:46 PM MST, 1 hour 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
746 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0738 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     6 SW Tucson             32.13N 110.95W
08/03/2026  M71 MPH          Pima               AZ   ASOS

            ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
            Airport.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 3, 8:18 PM MST, 1 hour before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
818 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0755 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     11 SE Picture Rocks     32.22N 111.13W
08/03/2026  M58 MPH          Pima               AZ   Public

            Private weather station at Old Tucson
            recorded 58 mph wind gust.

&&

The office that day

Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 3, 5:07 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCCochise53 min
Aug 3, 5:13 PM MSTFlash Flood WarningTWCCochise3 hr
Aug 3, 5:29 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCCochise61 min
Aug 3, 5:29 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatTWCCochise46 min
Aug 3, 5:42 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCCochise, Pima, Santa Cruz63 min
Aug 3, 6:13 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCCochise32 min
Aug 3, 6:21 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCCochise, Graham54 min
Aug 3, 6:33 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCPima42 min
Aug 3, 6:58 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCPima47 min
Aug 3, 7:09 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCPima51 min
Aug 3, 7:23 PM MSTDust Storm WarningTWCPima, Pinal85 min
Aug 3, 7:28 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatTWCPima, Santa Cruz62 min
Aug 3, 7:50 PM MSTDust Storm WarningTWCPima, Santa Cruz115 min
Aug 3, 8:02 PM MSTFlash Flood WarningTWCCochise118 min
Aug 3, 8:18 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCPima57 min
Aug 3, 8:43 PM MSTDust Storm WarningTWCPinal62 min
Aug 3, 8:57 PM MSTTornado WarningTWCPima34 min
Aug 3, 9:15 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCPima60 min
Aug 3, 9:39 PM MSTTornado WarningTWCPima21 min
Aug 4, 1:41 AM MSTBlowing Dust AdvisoryTWCCochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz18 hr
Aug 4, 8:04 AM MSTFlood WatchTWCCochise, Graham, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz14 hr
Aug 4, 4:39 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningTWCGreenlee51 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.