Explore

AP NewsAP News
Body found in Grand Canyon was missing hiker, wife says, bringing flood death toll to 3

Body found in Grand Canyon was missing hiker, wife says, bringing flood death toll to 3

Human remains found in the Grand Canyon this week have been identified as Timothy Allen Smith, the last person missing after flash flooding in late August
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Remains found at Grand Canyon are missing hiker Tim Smith, wife says

Remains found at Grand Canyon are missing hiker Tim Smith, wife says

The remaining missing person from a group of hikers was found dead after several days of searching.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Human Remains Discovered in Grand Canyon Following August Flash Floods

Human Remains Discovered in Grand Canyon Following August Flash Floods

Human remains were found near the Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon on Monday, more than two weeks after severe monsoon storms triggered flash flooding on August 29. The National Park Service (NPS) reported the discovery, and the remains have been transferred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the remains belong to 53-year-old Tim Smith, who has been missing since the floods. The August 29 flash floods in the Bright Angel Creek area resulted in two confirmed fatalities, 46-year-old John Guisti and 42-year-old Brent Rosenkranz, both from Granbury, Texas, whose bodies were recovered days after the initial event. The flooding, which occurred near the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire burn scar, led to the rescue of 82 people, some by helicopter, from areas including Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood campgrounds. Despite rainfall totals of only 1 to 1.75 inches in the hardest-hit areas, the unique topography of the canyon caused significant issues,...
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Discovery of human remains confirmed near Grand Canyon, officials say

Discovery of human remains confirmed near Grand Canyon, officials say

Human remains have been found near Crystal Rapid in the Grand Canyon, officials say. The discovery comes amid the search for a hiker who went missing in the Aug. 29 flood.
1Weather1Weather
Grand Canyon flash floods raise safety concerns

Grand Canyon flash floods raise safety concerns

Flash floods in the Grand Canyon in August 2026 have sparked concerns over the decision to reopen parts of the park affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. The floods, which claimed at least two lives and severely damaged the South Rim's water pipeline, have been linked to the burn scar left by the fire. Former park officials, including Robert Parrish, have criticized the rushed reopening, suggesting economic pressures may have overshadowed environmental risks. The park is currently under Stage 4 water restrictions, and uncertainty looms over the timeline for full recovery and reopening. Staff and local businesses are grappling with the fallout, as misinformation about reopening dates circulates and economic impacts mount.
1Weather1Weather
Flash Flood Warnings Issued Across Phoenix Area

Flash Flood Warnings Issued Across Phoenix Area

Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through central and southern Arizona on September 16, 2026, prompting multiple flash flood warnings. Areas affected include Maricopa County, Pinal County, and cities such as Apache Junction, Rio Verde, and Phoenix. Over an inch of rain fell in Mesa near Falcon Field during the late morning, with some areas receiving over 2 inches by early afternoon. The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported that the region is experiencing conditions conducive to heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 3 to 4 inches of rain. A flood watch remains in effect for the Valley through 11 PM MST.
1Weather1Weather
Arizona Faces High Flash Flood Risk Amid Heavy Rain

Arizona Faces High Flash Flood Risk Amid Heavy Rain

A significant weather event is unfolding in Arizona as heavy rainfall is expected to bring a high risk of flash flooding to multiple regions. A Flood Watch has been issued from Wednesday, 12:00 AM MST, until Thursday, 5:00 AM MST, covering areas such as Northern Gila County, the Coconino Plateau, White Mountains, Kaibab Plateau, Yavapai County Mountains, and several other locations. The National Weather Service has also issued additional Flood Watches for the Gila River Valley, Kofa, and Central La Paz from Wednesday, 11:00 AM MST, to 11:00 PM MST. Residents in these areas are urged to stay alert as the heavy rain could lead to dangerous conditions.
1Weather1Weather
Flash Flood Watch Issued for Tucson Amid Heavy Rainfall

Flash Flood Watch Issued for Tucson Amid Heavy Rainfall

A weather system moving in from northern Mexico is bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms to Tucson, Arizona. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch, effective until 11 pm on 16 September 2026. Rainfall is expected to be heavy, with a 90% chance of precipitation during the day and 80% at night. High temperatures are below normal, reaching 87°F (30.5°C) today and 89°F (31.6°C) on Thursday. Drier conditions are forecast to return by Friday, with temperatures normalising over the weekend.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Tucson Firefighters Conduct Swift Water Rescues Amidst Monsoon Flooding

Tucson Firefighters Conduct Swift Water Rescues Amidst Monsoon Flooding

Tucson firefighters recently executed multiple swift water rescues, saving drivers trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. This occurred after a powerful monsoon storm swept through the Arizona city, causing significant flooding on roads and stranding vehicles. Fire crews responded quickly, carrying out dramatic rescues within minutes of the flooding. One notable incident involved rescuing a driver who was trapped on top of their car. Flash floods are a significant hazard during the monsoon season in Pima County, which typically runs from June through September. These storms are characterized by heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds, often leading to dangerous flash floods. Flash floods are identified as the leading weather-related killer in the United States, with nearly half of all fatalities being auto-related and approximately 75% occurring at night. The rapid rise of water in streets, wash crossings, and low-lying urban areas poses a severe threat to motorists and residents.
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Human remains found at the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

Human remains found at the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

Human remains were reportedly found on the Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River, multiple news outlets reported Sept. 14.
USA TodayUSA Today
Human remains found in Grand Canyon near Crystal Rapid

Human remains found in Grand Canyon near Crystal Rapid

NPS transferred the remains to Coconino County for an autopsy to learn how the person died. The finding comes after deadly flash flooding in August.
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Now is your last chance to see the Milky Way's center over Arizona

Now is your last chance to see the Milky Way's center over Arizona

September may be a good time to catch a sight of the Milky Way's center while it's still easily visible in 2026 in Arizona and across the country.