The remnants of Hurricane Rose caused prolonged heavy rain and flash flooding across northern Arizona.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS FGZ wrote it up.
The remnants of Hurricane Rose caused prolonged heavy rain and flash flooding across northern Arizona.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Oct 2, 3:40 AM MST, 5 hours 5 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 340 AM MST Tue Oct 2 2018 .SYNOPSIS...Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue across northern Arizona through this evening before gradually tapering off. Unsettled, cool and showery weather is expected to persist for much of the remainder of the week. && .DISCUSSION...The remnants of Rosa have finally made their way northward into the region, with steady light to moderate rain falling across most of Yavapai, Coconino, and northern Gila counties early this morning. The highest rainfall rates observed have been between 0.25-0.50 inches per hour over Yavapai County. This area of heavier rainfall will continue to push north through the morning into Coconino County. Based on latest radar trends and model guidance, a reduction in forecasted rainfall amounts was made with this forecast package. Much drier air seen on water vapor imagery will push into the region late this afternoon and evening leading to a reduction in precipitation coverage and intensity. Total rainfall amounts through Wednesday morning are now expected to be in the 1-2 inch range over Yavapai and northern Gila counties with locally higher amounts of up to 3 inches on the south facing slopes. For the remainder of the area, a widespread 0.50-1.50 inch rainfall is expected. These rainfall totals could still produce flash flooding concerns across the region so the Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through 5 am Wednesday. However, based on the dry air noted above later shifts will determine whether it can be cancelled early. On Wednesday, the trough along the West Coast will move closer to the area leading to continued shower and thunderstorm chances. Low level moisture remaining in place along with increased shear and instability will produce an environment more favorable for some organized convection. Latest model guidance indicates the area of most concern would be across Yavapai and Coconino counties in the afternoon and evening hours. We will continue to monitor this potential closely. As the trough pushes through the region early Thursday, a brief lull in the active weather is expected through Friday. Long range model guidance continues to indicate a deep, cold trough digging into the region over the weekend and into early next week. This would bring unsettled weather with widespread showers including snow at the higher elevations and well below normal temperatures. Stay tuned. && .AVIATION...For the 12Z package...Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa will continue to move into the area from the south lowering ceilings and visibilities as the morning progresses. The most significant reductions to flight category will occur over higher terrain, primarily along and south of the Mogollon Rim. In addition, expect showers throughout the TAF period, with thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER...Widespread wetting rainfall continues today, with the highest amounts along and south of the Mogollon Rim. Between 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast across portions of Yavapai and northern Gila counties, with locally higher amounts likely. Rain showers continue Wednesday, with the best chances across Yavapai and Coconino counties. .Thursday through Saturday...Unsettled weather will prevail with cooler temperatures and gusty southwest winds at times. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight FOR AZZ004>008-015-016- 018-037-038. && PUBLIC...TPS AVIATION...RR FIRE WEATHER...RR For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff
The Flagstaff radar (KFSX), 83 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:43 UTC.
10 flash flood, 1 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
The stream gauge along Agua Fria River east of Cordes Junction recorded a rise of 3.5 feet in three hours.
Black Canyon Creek rose 3 feet was observed in about two hours (920 AM to 1120 AM) at Maren Avenue (a low water crossing). Reported by Yavapai County Flood Control District.
Two feet of water flowed through Big Bug Creek. Prolonged moderate to heavy rain over the area and the Goodwin Fire scar caused this flood.
The river gauge on Oak Creek just upstream from West Fork recorded a crest of 3.64 feet at 1050 PM due to moderate to heavy rain. This is about 3 feet higher than the normal flow.
A car was up to the door handles in a low water crossing on South Leroux Street (Rio de Flag) near Cottages Street. A picture of the car was taken at 921 PM.
Heavy rain dislodged boulders that fell on Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon near mile post 382 and 388 north of Sedona. The highway was closed until the mess could be cleaned up.
The Dry Creek river gauge recorded a crest of 6.98 feet at midnight due to heavy rain during the day and evening. The crest is about 5 feet rise in the normally dry creek bed.
The Oak Creek river gauge in Sedona recorded a crest of 7.24 feet at 145 AM MST due to heavy rain between there and Flagstaff. This crest is about 4.9 feet above the average normal flow at that location.
The Oak Creek river gauge at Page Springs recorded a crest of 9.88 feet at 215 AM MST due to moderate daytime rain and heavy evening rain. This is 7.78 feet above the normal flow.
Pumphouse Wash crested at 2.92 feet above normal due to moderate daytime and heavy nighttime rain in and around Kachina Village. Pictures that were shared showed 6 to 10 inches of water flowing out of the wash and down a low-laying roadway.
Heavy rain and flowing water through a box culvert under US Highway 89 caused the roadway to collapse. The collapsed road caused a fatal vehicular collision. A 15 mile section of Highway 89 (from Cameron to the Highway 160 Junction) was closed while the road could be repaired.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arizona in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Arizona, October 2018
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 788677, 788121, 789957, 789931, 788947, 788678, 789605, 789602, 789607, 788948, 789968.