Southwest Braces for Flash Flooding as Heavy Rains Target Saturated Ground

Heavy rains are expected to bring a significant threat of flash flooding to already saturated areas of the U.S. Southwest through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The region has experienced a series of weather systems delivering soaking rains throughout the autumn.

As much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain could fall across the affected areas. Meteorologists noted that minimal rainfall will be needed to cause flooding due to the current saturation levels. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for nearly all of Arizona and portions of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, and western New Mexico, extending into southern Nevada. The Four Corners region, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, is particularly vulnerable, having already been hard-hit by recent precipitation.

This weekend's rainfall is anticipated to cause both flash flooding and small-stream river flooding.

In the Phoenix area on Friday evening, emergency crews conducted rescues of individuals trapped in several vehicles on flooded streets. The Phoenix Fire Department reported on X that four vehicles were involved. Nearby, a fire captain in Scottsdale described how crews were in the process of rescuing one person from a flooded street when another vehicle with two occupants drove into the same water and also required assistance. According to Scottsdale fire Capt. Dave Folio, even 2 inches (5 centimeters) of moving water can be enough to sweep a vehicle off its wheels, and the vehicles in question were submerged in 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) of water.

In Bullhead City, Arizona, near the California border, Friday's heavy rains led to streets being covered with water, rocks, and debris, resulting in the closure of city parks.