Severe Thunderstorm Warning for East-Central Pinal County
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for east-central Pinal County, Arizona, as a strong storm capable of producing dangerous weather moves through the area.
Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning and torrential rainfall. Residents in the warned area should move indoors immediately and remain there until the warning expires or is canceled.
Flash Flood Warning for Eastern Pima County
A Flash Flood Warning is also in effect for eastern Pima County, where thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may produce rapid flooding.
Flash flooding can occur with little warning, particularly in normally dry washes, low-water crossings, drainage areas and locations downstream from heavy rainfall.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Water can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears, and road surfaces may be damaged or washed out underneath.
If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find another route.
Essential Safety Tips
For the Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Move inside a sturdy building immediately.
- Stay away from windows.
- Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside if it is safe to do so.
- Avoid open areas and isolated trees.
- Keep your phone charged and emergency alerts enabled.
- Remain indoors until the warning has ended or officials indicate the threat has passed.
For the Flash Flood Warning
- Move to higher ground immediately if flooding begins.
- Stay away from washes, creeks and normally dry channels.
- Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
- Do not camp or park near washes during thunderstorms.
- Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
- Remember that flooding can continue after the heaviest rain has ended.
Why Flash Flooding Can Be Dangerous in Arizona
Arizona’s desert environment contains numerous normally dry washes and channels that can rapidly fill when thunderstorms produce intense rainfall.
Heavy rain falling upstream can also send a sudden surge of water downstream, meaning dangerous flooding can occur even where it is not currently raining.
What Residents Should Do
People in east-central Pinal County and eastern Pima County should closely monitor official weather alerts and be ready to change plans as storms move through.
If you are outdoors, seek sturdy shelter. If you are driving, avoid low-water crossings and flooded roads.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Flash Flood Warning should be treated seriously. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly, especially when thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same area.
Bottom Line
Severe thunderstorms in east-central Pinal County and flash flooding in eastern Pima County create multiple weather hazards across central and southern Arizona. Get indoors for thunderstorms, move to higher ground if flooding threatens, and never drive through floodwater.
