Flash flood warning issued for Tucson area
The National Weather Service warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
See weather radar for Pima County
What are weather service meteorologists saying?
At 4:49 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:
"The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Eastern Pima County in southeastern Arizona, Until 5:45 p.m. MST. At 4:49 p.m. MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is already occurring.
HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Tucson. This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 256 and 258. This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations, Stone Ave at Mabel St."
What is a flash flood?
A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. If you are in a flood-prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The weather service issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.
What to do during a flood warning
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
Turn around, don't drown: Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water, or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
Watch out for fire hazards.
Move to higher ground.
Stay alert and turn weather notifications on.
Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flash flood warning issued for Tucson area
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