Officials warn of flash flood danger


Published/Last Modified on Friday, July 11, 2008 5:30 PM MDT


SIERRA VISTA — Heavy rains are being forecast for Southeastern Arizona, including Cochise County, through Saturday morning.


These storms have the potential of producing flash floods in washes and rivers. Motorists are urged to take precautions that could save their own lives. Such measures include reducing speed to avoid hydroplaning, avoid crossing flooded washes and obeying posted hazard signs.

Anyone who lives in a remote location and fears being trapped by floodwaters or cut off from emergency services “should consider alternate living arrangements,” the Cochise County Highway and Floodplain Department said earlier this week in a prepared statement.

On Wednesday afternoon, a hazardous weather outlook was issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Southeast Arizona. A slow-moving weather system is predicted to stall over Arizona until moving on during the weekend. This, coupled with an increase in monsoon moisture, will lead to more numerous thunderstorms, increasing the chances for heavy rains and flash flooding into the weekend. Saturated soils from previous rains in some areas could further raise the potential for flash flooding in and around those areas.

Although it is not possible to determine exact locations or times rainfall may be heaviest, Coronado National Forest officials said they are taking safety precautions in advance of the anticipated storms. Those measures could include the posting of signs and closures of roads in critical flood areas.

The National Weather Service posts continual forecasts for Southeastern Arizona at weather.gov/tucson. The service also provides a 24-hour weather information line at (520) 881-3333.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

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