TUCSON, AZ — Monsoon storms are continuing to bring heavy rain, strong winds and flash flood concerns across Southern Arizona, with another round of thunderstorms expected Tuesday and more widespread activity possible later this week, according to the National Weather Service in Tucson.
The storms already created dangerous conditions overnight. Tucson Fire crews responded to a swift water rescue shortly after midnight near South Harrison and East Escalante roads, where a vehicle became stranded in the Pantano Wash.
Engine 12 arrived around 12:07 a.m. to find the vehicle surrounded by fast-moving water. The driver had climbed onto the roof for safety before crews from Quint 17 used a ladder to help the person safely reach shore. No injuries were reported.
The rescue serves as a reminder of how quickly monsoon flooding can become dangerous. Camino de la Tierra remains closed at the Rillito River due to flooding, and officials said the road will reopen once water levels drop and debris is cleared.
Fire officials are urging residents to never drive through flooded washes or roadways, warning that even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected across southeast Arizona Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the main threats being heavy rainfall, flash flooding and strong outflow winds, forecasters said.
Storms are expected to develop during the afternoon before gradually tapering after 5 p.m. The weather service said abundant moisture is fueling the setup, with dew points in the 60s and 70s helping create conditions for efficient rain-producing storms.
Rainfall totals Tuesday are generally expected to range from a quarter-inch to a half-inch, though some areas could see more. Forecasters said there is a chance of 1 inch or more of rain within three hours from Mount Lemmon south toward Tucson and surrounding areas.
The highest flood concerns are expected near washes and low-lying areas, especially locations that have already received rainfall from recent storms.
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue through the week, with forecasters watching Thursday and Friday as the days most likely to bring more widespread storm activity.
An incoming easterly wave is expected to increase moisture and storm coverage, creating a higher risk of heavy rainfall and localized flooding. The weather service has placed parts of the region under a Slight Risk for Excessive Rainfall for both days.
Temperatures are also expected to cool as storm chances increase, with highs dropping to around 10 degrees below normal by Friday.
Pilots should also be aware that thunderstorms this week could bring heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, mountain obscuration and erratic wind gusts up to 35 to 40 knots, according to the weather service.
Tucson's monsoon season runs from June 15 through Sept. 30, bringing increased humidity and the afternoon storm pattern the region is known for.
While many storms are brief and localized, monsoon downpours can quickly create dangerous flooding in washes and low-lying areas. Officials remind residents that roads can flood even when skies are clear nearby, and conditions can change within minutes.
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