Explore

Southwest Faces More Flash Flood Threat After Deadly Storms

Southwest Faces More Flash Flood Threat After Deadly Storms

Another round of monsoon thunderstorms is expected across the Southwest and Four Corners Thursday after intense flash flooding in New Mexico killed three people. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 of 4 flash flood risk for parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, including Albuquerque. Western and central New Mexico could see the heaviest rain, while storms gradually shift east through Saturday. High hourly rain rates may trigger rapid runoff, mudslides and dangerous debris flows, even where rainfall is limited.

Flash Flooding Kills 3 in New Mexico Amid Southwest Threat

Flash Flooding Kills 3 in New Mexico Amid Southwest Threat

Flash flooding in New Mexico claimed the lives of three individuals early Wednesday near Newcomb, according to the Navajo Police Department. The victims, two adults and one juvenile, were swept away by floodwaters following intense rainfall that began Tuesday afternoon and continued intermittently until midnight. The region, along with parts of Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, remains under a significant flood threat as a surge of moisture fuels heavy rainfall. A rare Level 3 of 4 flood risk has been issued for areas including Phoenix and Tucson, marking the highest flood risk for Phoenix since 2022. Rainfall totals in some areas have exceeded 3 inches in just a few hours, leading to inundated roads, stranded vehicles, and water rescues. The ongoing Southwest monsoon, combined with a tropical disturbance from northern Mexico, is intensifying the rainfall.

Arizona Monsoon Season Brings Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Threat to Southwest

Arizona Monsoon Season Brings Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Threat to Southwest

Arizona is currently experiencing its monsoon season, which typically runs from June 15 to September 30. This seasonal wind shift brings increased humidity, leading to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Utah. A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat is in effect for these regions. Recent storms have already caused significant damage in areas like Tucson, Arizona, where strong winds and rain uprooted numerous trees, leading to widespread power outages. Residents are cleaning up from these events, with some describing the storms as the most intense they have witnessed. Arborists note that certain tree species, particularly non-native ones like eucalyptus with shallow roots, are more susceptible to being toppled during these monsoon microbursts. Native trees like mesquites and palo verdes generally have stronger root systems, though hybrid variations and watering practices can affect their resilience.

Western US Weather Shift Brings Flood and Fire Concerns

Western US Weather Shift Brings Flood and Fire Concerns

A surge of moisture from Mexico is bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms across the Southwest and Rockies through the weekend, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows. Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and parts of Utah could see 1–4 inches of rain, with pockets reaching 4–8 inches and localized totals near 12 inches. Meanwhile, a separate dry storm across Oregon, Northern California and Idaho could produce lightning, gusty winds and small hail, raising wildfire concerns.

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,...

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 Republic

3 dead after flash floods on the Navajo Nation. What we know

3 dead after flash floods on the Navajo Nation. What we know

Authorities responded to reports that people had been swept away in a flooded area near Newcomb, N.M., west of the Arizona state line.

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.

Southwest flood risk rises under heat dome conditions

Southwest flood risk rises under heat dome conditions

Tropical moisture is intensifying flood threats across the Southwest, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico, as a persistent heat dome locks in monsoon activity. According to FOX Weather, this atmospheric setup is amplifying rainfall potential and increasing the likelihood of flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Arizona State University Professor Randall Cerveny highlighted the interplay between the heat dome and monsoon dynamics, which are creating conditions for prolonged heavy rainfall. The heat dome, a high-pressure system, traps warm air and moisture, fueling the monsoon and exacerbating flood risks. This development underscores the importance of monitoring weather patterns closely in the coming days.

Flood Threat Grows as Tropical Moisture Hits Southwest

Flood Threat Grows as Tropical Moisture Hits Southwest

Tropical moisture is intensifying monsoon storms across the Southwest, bringing repeated heavy rain and rising flood risks through Friday. Phoenix and Ruidoso face a Level 3 of 4 flood threat, while parts of Arizona and New Mexico remain under a Level 2 flash flood threat. Rainfall of 1–2 inches is expected, with 2–3 inches possible in some higher areas. Saturated ground could increase flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

Arizona 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.

Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Central U.S.

Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Central U.S.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for heavy to excessive rainfall that could lead to flooding across parts of the central Plains, Midwest, and southern regions of Arizona and New Mexico. Additionally, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are anticipated to impact areas of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa later today into the early evening. Heat Advisories remain in effect for much of east Texas and the mid-Mississippi Valley, with elevated temperatures expected to persist through Tuesday. These weather patterns are part of a broader system affecting multiple regions across the United States. (Source time: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT)