The Latest: Flash flood warning issued for metro Phoenix
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Joel Negrete, 510 S. Avenue A, begins moving a trampoline that was once in his yard before the start of Sunday’s early afternoon rain storm. Tropical Storm Rosa neared Mexico’s Baja California on Monday, spreading heavy rains that were projected to extend into a drenching of the U.S. Southwest. (Randy Hoeft/Yuma Sun via AP)/The Yuma Sun via AP) lessJoel Negrete, 510 S. Avenue A, begins moving a trampoline that was once in his yard before the start of Sunday’s early afternoon rain storm. Tropical Storm Rosa neared Mexico’s Baja California on Monday, … more
Photo: Randy Hoeft, AP
Photo: Randy Hoeft, AP
PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on heavy rain in the U.S. Southwest from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa(all times local):
7:45 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Phoenix area after remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa dropped heavy rain, slowing the morning commute.
The weather service Tuesday said flash flooding was expected after up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain fell in metro Phoenix by midmorning, with more rain expected.
Trooper Kameron Lee of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said rain “played a factor” in numerous car accidents during the morning Phoenix commute, but there were no reports of serious crashes.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert mobilized about 200 National Guard soldiers Monday to prepare for potential flooding in areas where recent wildfires left burn scars that could increase runoff.
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7 a.m.
Rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa slowed the Phoenix area’s morning commute traffic as authorities prepared for potential flooding across the desert Southwest.
Flash flood watches were in effect for parts of Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah due because of Rosa, which had been downgraded to a tropical depression.
The Maricopa County Flood Control District reported no immediate reports Tuesday morning of flash flooding in the county that includes most of metro Phoenix. But the National Weather Service warned that heavier rain was expected Tuesday afternoon.
Forecasters said 1-2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters) of rain were expected in central and southern Arizona, with up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) possible in higher elevations.
Trooper Kameron Lee of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said rain “played a factor” in numerous car accidents during the morning Phoenix commute, but there were no reports of serious crashes.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert mobilized about 200 National Guard soldiers Monday to prepare for potential flooding in areas where recent wildfires left burn scars that could increase runoff.
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9:15 p.m.
After soaking northwestern Mexico with heavy rains as it neared the Baja California Peninsula and reportedly claiming at least one victim, Tropical Storm Rosa is expected to drench the U.S. Southwest.
From Arizona to Utah, some residents filled sandbags in anticipation of heavy rainfall forecasts and potential flooding.
The center of Rosa, which was a hurricane until late Sunday, was expected to hit Baja California and Sonora by early Tuesday, bringing 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) of rain, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
It’s then expected to move quickly northwestward as it weakens, bringing 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain to central and southern Arizona and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) to the rest of the desert Southwest, Central Rockies and Great Basin. Isolated areas might see even more precipitation.