Hurricanes in Arizona?

Hurricanes in Arizona?

Usually hurricanes affecting Arizona originate in the eastern Pacific Ocean, making landfall in the Mexican states of Baja California or Sonora.

Mostly it is the tropical cyclones' remnant moisture that produces heavy rainfall in portions of Arizona.

About every five years, however, a tropical cyclone retains enough strength to enter Arizona as a tropical storm or a tropical depression. About every two years, the remnants produce enough rainfall to cause flash floods.

In 1997, Arizona's 24-hour rainfall record of 11.97 inches from Pacific Hurricane Nora's trip inland. Remnants of Pacific Hurricane Emilia in 2008, and Pacific Hurricane Octave in 1983, created flash flooding in Arizona.

In 2008, an Atlantic hurricane, Dolly, produced rainfall in eastern Arizona.

Wettest tropical cyclones, and their remnants, in Arizona Highest known recorded totals Precipitation Storm Measurement station

1 305.1 mm 12.01 in Nora 1997 Harquahala Mountain

2 304.8 mm 12.00 in Octave 1983 Mount Graham

3 210.8 mm 8.30 in Heather 1977 Nogales

4 178.1 mm 7.01 in Doreen 1977 Yuma Valley

5 177.8 mm 7.00 in Javier 2004 Walnut Creek

6 133.9 mm 5.27 in Lester 1992 Irving

7 96.0 mm 3.78 in Raymond 1989 Santa Rita Experiment Range

8 83.3 mm 3.28 in Boris 1990 Santa Rita Experiment Range

9 72.9 mm 2.87 in Kathleen 1976 Davis Dam #2

10 71.9 mm 2.83 in Marty 2003 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Several of these tropical cyclones have caused deaths or heavy property damage, usually due to flooding caused by rain.

What To Do In Case of a Flash Flood------

1. Listen to your radio or television for information about what to expect.
   
   
2. Know flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground right away!
   
   
3. Be aware of streams, dry riverbeds, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings like rain clouds or heavy rain.
   
   
4. If you must prepare to leave, you should do the following:

• Secure your home. Bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. But only if you have time!
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if asked to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

     5.  If You Have to Leave
      - Do not walk through moving water.  Choose a route with still water if at all possible.
      - Use a long stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

When you have time, and before a flash flood occurs, visit http://www.justincasearizona.com/be-informed/natural-disasters/flash-flood.asp  There is a wealth of information on this website about what to do in the event of a flash flood.