Flood Watches Persist Across Southwest States
The Desert Southwest is experiencing significant flooding due to robust monsoonal moisture and a weak tropical system. Flood watches remain active in western and northern New Mexico, southeast Utah, and southwest Colorado. Heavy rainfall has led to flash flooding, with rainfall rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas. In Arizona, Maricopa County saw water rescues, and parts of Phoenix received up to 3.9 inches of rain. The National Weather Service warns of flash flooding risks in wildfire burn scars, urban areas, and regions with saturated ground. A strong upper-level low is also contributing to widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. Source time: Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT.