Phoenix Weather Update: Tropical Storm Aftermath
Phoenix – Remnants of Hurricane Priscilla have led to a rainy and potentially hazardous weekend across parts of the Southwest, with some regions seeing over 2 inches of rainfall by the end of the event.
Moisture from the former Category 2 hurricane began impacting the area on Tuesday, and severe weather reports began to surface by Wednesday.
Looking ahead, forecasts predict an increase in precipitation as the upcoming weekend approaches, heightening the risk of flash flooding that may persist into early next week.
The hilly and mountainous regions to the north and east of Phoenix are especially vulnerable, as their terrain tends to amplify rainfall effects.
In response to this threat, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) categorized parts of Southern California, northwestern Arizona, and southwestern Utah as facing a Level 2 flash flood risk on a scale of 4.
However, that risk escalated on Friday, placing much of central Arizona, including the Phoenix area, at a Level 3 on the same scale.
Widespread flood watches are currently active in many areas of the Southwest, covering Arizona cities like Phoenix and Flagstaff, as well as Grand Canyon National Park.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that significant rainfall can trigger flooding in slot canyons, dry washes, areas newly affected by burns, and other low-lying spots.
This particular rain event is unrelated to the typical monsoon season, which wrapped up last month. Instead, it stems from tropical moisture from the Pacific, along with atmospheric energy linked to a jet stream dip further north.
Forecasters emphasize that just 6 inches of rapidly flowing water can easily sweep an adult off their feet, and a foot of water could potentially carry away a vehicle.
On the bright side, while these weather conditions pose risks, they also offer some benefits: drought relief and cooler temperatures.
Currently, over 80% of the western United States is experiencing dry conditions, with certain areas classified as facing “exceptional drought,” the most severe level.
Communities are grappling with issues like crop damage, water shortages, and rising wildfire risks due to these ongoing conditions.
Thanks to the rainfall, fire hazards and temperatures are expected to drop, with highs that had soared into the 90s earlier this week now likely to remain in the 80s due to increased cloud cover.
Additionally, more precipitation from a system moving along the Mexican coastline, identified as Invest 90E, is expected to reach the Southwest, though not by the end of this weekend.
