Scattered showers and thunderstorms formed along the international border and Cochise County during the late afternoon. The storms downed trees in Nogales and caused flash flooding at the Nogales Port of Entry.
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 TWC wrote it up.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms formed along the international border and Cochise County during the late afternoon. The storms downed trees in Nogales and caused flash flooding at the Nogales Port of Entry. Multiple power poles were downed in the Kansas Settlement area.
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 Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 17, 2:10 PM MST, 2 hours 20 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tucson AZ 210 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019 .SYNOPSIS...Daytime temperatures will experience a decreasing trend through the weekend and into next week. A more favorable steering flow for daily thunderstorms will become established today. This flow pattern will become even more favorable early next week. && .DISCUSSION... Satellite imagery continues to show the decaying complex of storms south of the border in Sonora, Mex. A well developed MCV is making its way across the Gulf of California. The complex moistened the lower levels of the atmosphere with widespread dewpoints in the 60s (and even 70s in spots) across the deserts. 12Z KTUS sounding came in with PW's around 1.3 inches which is in the 80th percentile (approx) along with decent mixing just above the surface. Latest hi-res deterministic and probabilistic guidance (HRRR, HREF, NBM, and UA WRFs) still indicative of a busy afternoon with initiation in the usual mountain spots south and east of Tucson. Good ensemble agreement showing the bulk of the activity across Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee Counties after 21Z, but outflow driven convection can't be entirely ruled out either in/around Tucson in the afternoon and early evening hours. There isn't spectacular steering flow in place today (5-10 kts), which will result in nearly stationary storms throughout the rest of the afternoon. Locally heavy rain/gusty winds/lightning are the primary threats. Steering flow is poised to become more favorable into the weekend and early next week, allowing for greater storm organization and rates of motion. Per the GFS and ECMWF 500 hPa height anomaly forecasts, the monsoonal ridge is expected to be in its prime location by late in the weekend/early next week, transporting much more impressive moisture values into Arizona. We can reasonably say that the monsoon flow and moisture pattern is here to stay. With dewpoints on the rise, temperatures will be less hot. KTUS has yet to reach the 100 degree mark today, a stark difference from the 110 degree day achieved yesterday. As the monsoonal pattern continues settling into its most favorable position, coupled with higher atmospheric moisture content, temperatures can be expected to top off between the upper 90s and low 100s. && .AVIATION...Valid through 19/00Z. Scattered to numerous SHRA/TSRA are expected to develop initially across the higher terrain south and east of TUS, then spreading into valley locations during the later afternoon into evening. The greatest SHRA/TSRA coverage will be along the International border including KOLS/KDUG with lower confidence of impacts for KTUS. Surface winds generally southeasterly 10-15 kts with gusts to 20 kts in the afternoon before diminishing in the evening by 18/07Z. Gusty and erratic outflow winds are expected with SHRA/TSRA. Otherwise, generally SCT-OVC clouds mainly 7-10k ft AGL through the forecast period. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER...More abundant moisture will result in greater shower and thunderstorm coverage with the potential for locally heavy rain, especially from Tucson south and eastward. Any storms that develop will have the potential to produce locally heavy rainfall, as they are also slow movers. Thereafter, a fairly typical monsoon pattern with enhanced moisture will continue into next week with isolated to scattered mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Expect brief strong, gusty and erratic winds near thunderstorms. Otherwise, 20-foot winds will be mainly under 15 mph. && .TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
1256 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
AZZ503-507-513-172045-
Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra
Vista/Benson-Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including
Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon-Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar
Valleys including Nogales-
1256 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN COCHISE AND
SOUTHEASTERN SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM MST...
At 1255 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Parker Canyon Lake, or 10 miles southwest of Sierra Vista. This storm
was nearly stationary.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Sierra Vista, Hereford, Parker Canyon Lake, Fort Huachuca, Coronado
National Memorial and Ramsey Canyon Preserve.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3145 11055 3157 11040 3139 11016 3133 11021
3133 11049
TIME...MOT...LOC 1955Z 220DEG 0KT 3141 11036
PowellSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Tucson AZ 136 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019 AZZ507-513-172100- Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson-Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon- 136 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN PIMA...WEST CENTRAL COCHISE AND NORTHEASTERN SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES UNTIL 200 PM MST... At 134 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Whetstone, or 16 miles northwest of Sierra Vista. This storm was nearly stationary. Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Whetstone, Elgin. and portions of SR 82 between Whetstone and Elgin. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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 3178 11052 3180 11039 3167 11031 3165 11054 TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 350DEG 3KT 3175 11045 JRM
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
200 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
AZZ507-508-513-172130-
Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra
Vista/Benson-Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including
Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon-Eastern Cochise County Below 5000
Feet including Douglas/Willcox-
200 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN COCHISE COUNTY UNTIL
230 PM MST...
At 159 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Bisbee. This storm was nearly stationary.
Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Bisbee and Naco.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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 3149 11009 3158 10984 3139 10979 3133 10991
3133 10995
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 151DEG 1KT 3143 10989
JRMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
356 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
AZZ503-513-172345-
Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including
Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon-Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar
Valleys including Nogales-
356 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
UNTIL 445 PM MST...
At 354 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Nogales International Airport, or 7 miles northeast of Nogales.
Another strong storm was just east of Kino Springs. These storm are
slowly moving toward the west and southwest.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 45 mph will be possible with
these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Nogales, Nogales International Airport, Patagonia Lake State Park and
Kino Springs.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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 3141 11100 3153 11085 3143 11071 3133 11073
3133 11096
TIME...MOT...LOC 2254Z 037DEG 2KT 3144 11084
JRMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
422 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
AZZ508-180000-
Eastern Cochise County Below 5000 Feet including Douglas/Willcox-
422 PM MST Wed Jul 17 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL COCHISE COUNTY
UNTIL 500 PM MST...
At 421 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Douglas, moving west at 5 to 10 mph.
Winds in excess of 45 mph will be possible with this storm along
with heavy rain.
Locations impacted include...
Douglas, Bisbee-Douglas Airport and Pirtleville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3147 10961 3143 10938 3133 10942 3133 10962
3134 10963
TIME...MOT...LOC 2321Z 090DEG 8KT 3136 10953
MeyerThe Tucson radar (KEMX), 68 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:31 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Runoff from heavy rain in Sonora caused flash flooding in the Nogales Port of Entry. Water was flowing 8-10 inches deep through the checkpoint area. Flash flooding was also reported at Potrero Creek near near Meadow Hills Drive.
Multiple trees down near intersection of Western Ave and N Bautista St. The window in a house was also blown out just north of the intersection.
Seven power poles were knocked down in the Kansas Settlement area.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arizona in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Arizona, July 2019
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 842746, 842747, 842748.