Severe storms brought widespread flash flooding to Arizona on Tuesday, September 29, with motorists rescued from floodwaters and warnings issued across the Phoenix metropolitan area and other parts of the state.
The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening flooding in Maricopa County after thunderstorms deposited up to 1.25 inches of rain in parts of the region, with further heavy rainfall possible. Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem and New River were among the communities warned of flooding in streets, washes and low-water crossings.
Officials urged drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads, warning that vehicles could quickly become stranded or swept away. Local reports described swift-water rescues in the White Hills area, while floodwater several feet deep was reported around Bullhead City, leaving vehicles trapped.
Further north, the National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning for the Agua Fria River in Yavapai County after a gauge recorded a rapid rise of about 4ft. Up to 2in of rain had fallen in the area, with Black Canyon City and parts of Interstate 17 among the locations at risk.
Flood warnings and watches were also active across Pinal, Pima, Graham, Cochise, Gila, Coconino and Navajo counties as heavy rain moved across Arizona. Authorities reported that low-water crossings and roads remained vulnerable even after rainfall eased, as water continued to flow through washes and creeks.
The unsettled weather was linked to a surge of tropical moisture associated with Hurricane Polo, which made landfall in Mexico as a Category 2 storm before weakening. Its remnants helped fuel heavy rain across the south-western United States, with flooding also reported in New Mexico.
Emergency services and transport authorities warned that conditions could change rapidly, particularly in low-lying areas and near normally dry riverbeds. Residents in flood-prone locations were advised to monitor official alerts and be prepared to move to safer ground if warnings were upgraded.
