Arizona is facing a severe threat of flooding and strong storms, putting millions of people across seven states from California to Colorado on high alert. This week's surge of tropical moisture is set to bring heavy downpours, triggering debris flows and landslides, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires. The risk is especially acute in Arizona, which sits at the heart of the danger zone.

The flood threat is exacerbated by the abundance of moisture available to feed heavy downpours, with rainfall rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour in some areas. This moisture, coupled with the potential for storms to pass over the same regions repeatedly, creates a perilous situation for residents and travelers alike. The biggest concerns are mudslides over burn scars, slot canyons, and arroyos, where water can rush in with little warning, posing a significant risk to anyone in these areas.

Downtown Flagstaff and the Phoenix airport have already reported severe weather conditions, including large hail and high winds, with a tornado watch issued for northern Arizona for the first time in over 16 years. The threat of severe weather is expected to continue through Wednesday night, with large hail, strong gusts, and even tornadoes possible. As moisture continues to pour into the Southwest, the flood risk is only expected to worsen, with some forecast models predicting near-record levels of October moisture, potentially leading to higher-than-expected rainfall totals.

The greatest flood risk remains across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, including major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. Isolated storms could again bring strong winds, hail, and tornadoes across the Desert Southwest and Four Corners region, with Arizona facing the highest risk. Higher elevations in the Sierra and the Rockies could see their first significant snow of the season, though totals should stay under 6 inches in most areas, with a few isolated peaks potentially picking up a foot.

Flood experts advise against driving through flooded roads and staying away from washes, slot canyons, and steep terrain near burn scars during heavy rain. Keeping a way to receive weather alerts and moving to higher ground without delay if a warning is issued is crucial. This advice underscores the importance of community preparedness and resilience in the face of such extreme weather events.

Originally reported by Rolling Out