Flash flood risk increasing across Southwest as monsoon season continues
Some parts of southern Arizona could pick up 2-3 inches of rain this week
Heavy rain from monsoon storms could cause flash flooding in the Southwest
Heavy rain has created mainly localized areas of flash flooding. Urban areas, roads, small streams and burn scar areas have been the most vulnerable areas.
Monsoon season is still in full effect across the Southwest U.S., with more storms expected this week that could drop several inches of rain and increase the risk of flash floods across the region.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona, said the monsoon storms would be isolated, with most of the activity being seen along the Mogollon Rim toward the White Mountains. The main threats will be heavy rain and strong winds with any storms that develop.
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The threat of flash flooding on Tuesday covers a large area of the region, from parts of California through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Nevada, too, is under the threat of flash floods due to the extremely heavy rainfall expected with any of the monsoon storms that do pop up during the day and into the evening hours.
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"These monsoon storms, when they do bubble up, they produce a lot of rain," FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said.
While many areas will see stronger monsoon storms, not everyone will see them.
"By 4 p.m., you can see them around Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, but they're spotty," Merwin said. "So, again, not everyone gets caught. If you get caught, you experience the strong winds, the heavy rain and the potential for flooding, and also the potential for severe weather."
(FOX Weather)
Most areas will likely see less than an inch of rain from the monsoon storms that pop up over the next week. However, there will be higher amounts across central and southern Arizona.
Sierra Vista, for example, could pick up 2-3 inches of rain with locally higher amounts.
Some parts of central and northern New Mexico could also see 1-2 inches of rain over the next seven days.
Monsoon season in the Southwest
7 Facts About Monsoon Season
Here are seven facts about monsoon season.
The Southwest monsoon season begins June 15 and lasts through Sept. 30 each year.
Monsoon is a term given when winds blow tropical air toward typically desert locations, and Arizona and the Desert Southwest certainly qualify.
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