Increased Flash Flood Potential

The National Weather Service of Flagstaff reports the following flash flood information:

Widespread abundant moisture will combine with an upper level disturbance moving westward across the area today and into early Wednesday morning. Because of this combination there is an elevated risk of flash floods occurring across all of Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai, and Northern Gila Counties.

Storms will develop in the early afternoon hours similar to any normal monsoon day, however more widespread and stronger storms are expected to form near the disturbance as it moves west across northern Arizona Tuesday night into Wednesday. The strongest storms will have rainfall rates in excess of 1 to 2 inches per hour and could easily overwhelm flood prone locations. Because of this elevated threat, a Flash Flood Watch has been issued from 11 am Today until 7 pm Wednesday evening.

Flash Flood Watch

A flash flood watch means that developing conditions may lead to flash flooding within the watch area. People, especially those located along area creeks, rivers, or other flash flood prone areas, should continue to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take immediate action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Flash Flood Safety

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television. Know what to do:

  1. GET TO HIGHER GROUND: Get out of the areas subject to flooding
  2. DO NOT DRIVE INTO WATER: Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6″ of water to knock you off your feet.
  3. STAY INFORMED: Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.

****Flash Flood Watch****

7/18/17 9:30 – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of northern Arizona (including Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai and Northern Gila Counties) beginning today at 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Wednesday evening. The strongest storms will have rainfall rates in excess of 1 to 2 inches per hour and could easily overwhelm flood prone locations.

A flash flood watch means that developing conditions may lead to flash flooding within the watch area. People, especially those located along area creeks, rivers, or other flash flood prone areas, should continue to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take immediate action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions lifted today, July 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM

Apache and Navajo County, as well as partnering cities, towns and National Forests, will jointly lift fire restrictions throughout the region today at 2 p.m.

Despite the lifting of fire restrictions, the public is urged to stay vigilant and safe while exploring the outdoors. Make sure campsites are cleared of dry debris before lighting a fire, and always completely extinguish your fire before leaving (drown, stir and drown again). If a fire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!