An Arizona flood watch has been issued across large parts of northern and central Arizona, with the National Weather Service warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms could trigger flash flooding through Thursday evening.
The alert covers areas including the Grand Canyon region, Flagstaff, the White Mountains, the Mogollon Rim, Yavapai County, the Little Colorado River valleys, Gila County, Globe and Miami, as well as the Pinal and Superstition mountains.
Residents in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding communities have also been warned of possible flooding from excessive rainfall. The watch is due to remain in place in some locations until 11pm Mountain Standard Time on Thursday, October 22.
The National Weather Service said a strong Pacific weather system would draw a deep surge of subtropical and tropical moisture into Arizona. Widespread showers and thunderstorms were expected to continue across northern and central parts of the state, with the heaviest storms posing a heightened flash-flood risk.
Forecasters warned that flooding could affect creeks, normally dry washes, rivers and low-lying areas, including locations affected by recent wildfires. Low-water crossings may also become impassable.
In south-central Arizona, rainfall rates of up to 1 to 2 inches an hour were considered possible as the system moved through. People in affected areas were advised to monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if flash-flood warnings are issued.
