The rainstorm, described as a one-in-a-thousand event, is now threatening the lives of millions in four U.S. states. Forecasts indicate rainfall of up to a foot (about 30 centimeters) in some areas, which could lead to dangerous flooding.
Flood Warnings in Southwestern States
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued widespread warnings for the potential of flooding in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Colorado. Heavy monsoonal rains are expected to impact the Southwest from Wednesday through Thursday evening. Monsoonal rains this time of year are associated with severe thunderstorms that quickly dump large amounts of rain.
Meteorologists at the AccuWeather forecasting team have announced that there is a possibility of a historic rainstorm this week, which could bring up to 12 inches of rain in some areas. According to forecasts, major cities including Phoenix and Tucson are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain by Friday.
Risks from Heavy Rainfall
Weather forecasters have warned that rainfall may reach 2 to 3 inches per hour at times, which could lead to flash flooding in valleys, near burned areas, and along local waterways. Tyre Royce, a meteorologist specializing in AccuWeather, said, "A foot of rain in this area is a one-in-a-thousand-year event, and while we do not expect widespread 12-inch rainfall, it may occur locally."
Immediate flood warnings were issued on Wednesday for several areas, including Phoenix and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and parts of Utah and Colorado. Drivers in these states are advised to stay off the roads, as driving on flooded roads is one of the leading causes of fatalities during flash floods.
NWS stated, "When encountering flooded roads, turn around, don’t drown. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles." In this regard, rescue teams have already been dispatched to save at least one driver who was trapped in road flooding in Arizona.
Impact of Rainfall on Dry Areas
The AccuWeather team noted that at this time of year, winds in the Southwest typically shift, pulling warm, moist air from Mexico and the Gulf of California northward. This moisture leads to thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas. These storms produce rainfall frequently due to deep moisture and slow-moving weather systems.
While the rains are greatly needed at this time, especially in Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Nevada, sudden and heavy rainfall can create problems for areas suffering from drought. Many lands, due to dry conditions, lack the ability to absorb the anticipated rains, which can lead to dangerous flooding within minutes or hours.
Nevertheless, NWS has indicated in its recent forecasts that heavy rainfall could still benefit some areas of the Colorado River basin that have faced severe drought this year.
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