Spring begins with flood warnings, heavy rainstorms throughout Maricopa, Gila counties

Laura Daniella Sepulveda and Sydney Carruth, Arizona Republic
·6 min read

Spring is kicking off this year with flood warnings, heavy rainfall, strong winds and chilly temperatures across Arizona.

According to the National Weather Service, flood warnings were in effect for several recreational spots and water crossings in Maricopa and Gila counties.

Tuesday marks the official first day of spring. This year, it will come with overnight rains, strong winds and snowfall that will persist through the weekend.

High water from rain and snowmelt in the Salt and Verde rivers are creating dangerous conditions until 5 p.m. on Saturday in parts of Maricopa County, while the same problem along Tonto Creek is prompting caution until noon Saturday in Gila County, the weather service said.

According to the weather service, water release from Tempe Town Lake was causing flooding in low water crossings in Phoenix on 67th and 91st avenues and in Avondale on El Mirage Road. More areas upstream of Tempe Town Lake were also affected, such as the unbridged crossings on McKellips and Gilbert roads and gravel pit operations along Salt River starting on Granite Reef Dam.

Affected recreation sites include Needle Rock, Verde River, Fort McDowell, Phon D. Sutton Riverside Campground just below Barlett Dam, Coon Bluff, Goldfied, Blue Point, Pebble Beach, Salt River Tubing and Tonto Basin. Other agricultural and industrial areas along the Salt and Gila riverbeds are also under a flood warning, the weather service said.

The weather service advised travelers with recreational plans to reconsider them because of strong currents, increased river levels and cold water temperatures. More rain Tuesday and Wednesday could increase the risk later in the week and the impacts could extend beyond the warnings' cut-off times, according to the weather service.

The weather service said most flood deaths occur in vehicles and suggested turning around if attempting to cross a flooded roadway.

Meteorologist Ben Benedict with the weather service in Phoenix also advised residents to take caution.

"Please heed to warnings that are issued. Do not attempt to cross any flooded washes or rivers," Benedict said. "It's been very dangerous, it's been a lot of water rescues that we've already seen, and they may continue if people are not careful."

On Saturday morning, an 81-year-old man died in Salt River in Mesa after he fell out of his kayak and drowned, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Later that day, a family also kayaking in the river had to be airlifted by emergency crews after their kayak capsized. A different family was also rescued from Oak Creek on Friday after their truck got stuck amid rising water, the sheriff's office said.

Metro Phoenix residents to see rain, strong winds, chilly temperatures

According to Benedict, a cold front rolling through the state will also bring thunderstorms and breezy conditions that will peak in the middle of the week and persist through the beginning of next week.

Benedict said moisture and rain will peak overnight Tuesday in Phoenix. Residents can expect wind gusts up to 40 mph and much cooler temperatures starting Wednesday with highs in the low to mid-60s.

Chilly weather will stay around for quite a bit, Benedict said. Normal temperatures for this time of the year usually reach the 80s, but this time they will remain in the 70s for the next week and a half, he explained.

Winter storm to bring snow, high rainfall in Flagstaff

The northern areas of the state will see high rainfall, snow showers and more moisture this week.

The weather service in Flagstaff issued a winter storm warning for areas along the Kaibab Plateau and a winter weather advisory in effect through 2 p.m. Tuesday along the Chuska Mountains and Black Mesa.

Flagstaff residents can expect snowfall and wind gusts of up to 45 mph starting Tuesday, according to the weather service.

Benedict said Flagstaff weather will be cooling down, with highs dipping into the 30s and lows dropping into the teens starting Thursday.

Travelers will see hazardous road conditions due to snow. More rainfall in the middle week will bring more snowmelt and enhanced flooding, the weather service said.

"We're going to continue to see those elevated water levels, and it can be hazardous for recreation as well as for traveling through water crossings," Benedict said.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said drivers should plan for wet and icy highways this week as another winter storm will bring rain and snow to the state.

ADOT recommended drivers stay up to date on weather conditions as the week progresses. Drivers will need to slow down on slick roads and avoid traveling in winter weather conditions if possible.

The agency also warned drivers to not cross areas with running or standing water as the National Weather Service said flooding is possible in washes and other low-lying areas this week.

ADOT said safer road conditions will return to the high country when its snowplow operators have time to clear snow and ice from highways later in the week.

The department recommended the following winter and wet weather driving safety tips:

  • Slow down and leave extra room: Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.

  • Stay up to date on weather and highway conditions: In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov, download the AZ511 app or call 511 for highway conditions.

  • Expect the unexpected: Stay alert for changing highway conditions, including storm debris and mud or rocks from slopes above highways. Do not enter or try to cross flooded areas. It is safer to wait for assistance from law enforcement or other emergency responders.

  • Leave prepared: Dress for cold weather if traveling into the high country. Bring extra clothes and gloves as part of an emergency prep kit in case you need to stop along a highway. Be sure your cellphone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food and prescription medications in case you encounter delays.

  • Other items for an emergency kit: Blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if your vehicle is stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of items at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (look for “Must-haves for every vehicle”).

Arizona residents were encouraged to check ADOT’s Facebook and Twitter feeds for real-time updates and road conditions throughout the week.

A 'cloudy and cool week' for Tucson

Although the Tucson metro area is not expected to get quite as much rain, residents are still advised to be aware of windy conditions and occasional showers throughout the weekend.

The weather service in Tucson said it will be a "cloudy and cool week" as the same storm system passes through the state.

Rain will be more likely Tuesday night through Thursday and temperatures will also cool down, the weather service said.

Highs are forecast to drop into the low 60s, about 15 degrees below normal on Thursday, and will stay cooler than normal through the weekend, according to Benedict.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spring begins with flood warnings, winter storms across Arizona