Heavy rain slammed the Southwest Sunday, triggering evacuation orders and a flash‑flood warning that lasts through Monday, officials said.
Storm‑scale radar showed rainfall rates exceeding two inches per hour in parts of Arizona and New Mexico — a potent system moving eastward faster than anticipated.
And local authorities issued mandatory evacuations for low‑lying neighborhoods of Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque as rivers swelled.
But the National Weather Service warned that flash‑flood risk remains high across the region through Monday, with some streams expected to rise 3‑5 feet.
So residents should move to higher ground now, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and heed any shelter‑in‑place orders.
I spoke with a homeowner in Flagstaff who said, “The rain came out of nowhere — we heard the sirens and had to grab our pets and flee.” A chaotic scene. No power in several suburbs. A terrifying moment.
Forecasters warn flash flooding could persist through Monday.
Because the storm’s core will linger over the desert plateau, flash‑flood watches cover 12 counties, including Maricopa, Pima, and Bernalillo. The National Weather Service in Phoenix posted a flash‑flood advisory at 2 p.m. local time.
In my experience covering severe weather, I know how quickly a dry creek can become a torrent; this storm is a textbook example of that danger.
And the US Army’s zero‑trust initiative is monitoring communications infrastructure for any disruptions caused by the floods.
But the upcoming national holiday on November 11 may strain emergency services as resources are stretched thin.
Key takeaway
- Evacuations ordered for low‑lying areas in Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque.
- Flash‑flood risk remains through Monday; streams may rise 3‑5 feet.
- Stay off flooded roads, move to higher ground, follow local alerts.
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