A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Flagstaff at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5. This warning applies to Coconino County.
The National Weather Service warns: "Flooding of washes and creeks will occur, some dirt roads will become muddy and impassable. Paved roads and underpasses could become flooded as well."
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What are weather service meteorologists saying?
At 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:
"The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Coconino County in north central Arizona, Until 6:30 p.m. MST. At 3:30 p.m. MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.75 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 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 indicated.
IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Flagstaff, Doney Park, Fernwood, Pioneer Valley, Macann Estates, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Mountain View Ranches, Winona, Cosnino and Angell. This includes the following highways, Interstate 40 between mile markers 203 and 216. U.S. Highway 89 between mile markers 422 and 424. Route 66 between mile markers 202 and 204. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, Picture Canyon Preserve. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers, Youngs Canyon, San Francisco Wash, Padre Canyon and Walnut Creek."
What is a flash flood?
Arizona's desert landscape is highly prone to flash flooding. A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service.
A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. Even if skies are clear overhead, rainfall upstream can funnel into dry riverbeds and create dangerous flows miles away.
How much water is needed to cause a flash flood?
It doesn't take much water to trigger a flooding event in the desert: An inch of rain or less in an hour is often enough to cause a flood. How quickly and where rain falls determines flooding more than rain totals.
Desert soils struggle to absorb water, especially after extended dry spells. The surface can become almost waterproof, causing runoff.
Topography also plays a role, as steep canyons, mountains and dry washes are susceptible to floods. Areas impacted by wildfires are more at risk, as the flames can burn the top layer of the soil, preventing absorption and increasing runoff.
What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flash flood watch means conditions are favorable for flash flooding to develop, but it isn't happening yet. In Arizona, this often happens when monsoon storms or heavy upstream rainfall could send sudden surges of water through washes, canyons or urban areas.
During a flood watch, it's important to monitor local forecasts and alerts, plan evacuation routes in case flooding begins, move vehicles out of low-lying areas and avoid recreation in areas that could fill with water quickly.
A flash flood warning is more urgent, meaning flooding is impending or already occurring. Warnings are typically issued when rainfall is recorded at levels that can suddenly overwhelm desert drainage or when flooding has already been observed.
Tips for staying safe during a flood warning in Arizona
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
- Turn around, don't drown: Never attempt to drive through a flooded street; instead, turn around and find an alternative route. Just 12 inches of water can carry away smaller vehicles, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
- Watch out for fire hazards and move to higher ground.
- Pay attention to weather notifications and road closures.
- Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flash flood warning issued for northern Arizona, including Flagstaff
