Arizona Weekend Storms Bring Record Rain and Snow Across State

Record Rainfall and Flood Evacuations Strike Arizona

A relentless weekend storm system delivered rare rainfall to the desert floor and heavy mountain snow, sparking flash floods, dozens of swift-water rescues, and widespread highway closures across Arizona. In Phoenix, the storm brought the city’s first measurable rainfall on Halloween since 1987, according to ktar.com. While the metropolitan valley dealt with slick roadways and localized pooling, higher elevations faced severe inundation and rising snow accumulations.

As of 3 pm today, we’ve responded to 16 river rescues in Pima County. Several roads remain closed. Too many to list. Check latest closures here: (520) 351-3351. pic.twitter.com/exVqU25MNZ

— https://x.com/PimaSheriff/status/2117015533665309095

Maricopa County absorbed some of the heaviest desert precipitation, with Scottsdale recording 4.25 inches, Wittmann logging 3.43 inches, Cave Creek reaching 2.83 inches, and Apache Junction hitting 2.09 inches. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport measured 0.92 inches. Meanwhile, tornado titans reported that the Arizona Snowbowl in Coconino County logged 4.89 inches of rain during the deluge, standing as the highest total among 92 reporting stations statewide.

Highways Closed and Evacuations Ordered

The relentless downpour triggered immediate evacuation orders across parts of Yavapai, Coconino, Gila, and Pinal counties as flash floods threatened residential areas. Transportation officials closed numerous key routes, including State Route 89A between Sedona and Kachina Village, State Route 73 between Indian Pine and White River, State Route 238 between Maricopa and Gila Bend, State Route 77 in Snowflake at State Route 277, State Route 288, State Route 179 in Sedona, and Business Route 40 in Flagstaff.

In Southern Arizona, the crisis unfolded along surging waterways. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported responding to 16 river rescues in the Tucson metro area, where localized rain totals ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, while nearby mountain regions received upwards of 6 inches.

Snow Accumulates at Arizona Snowbowl

As temperatures dropped at higher elevations, the rain transitioned into heavy snow. The Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff picked up 3 inches of snow on Saturday, following an earlier accumulation of 6 inches on October 25. These storms have pushed the resort’s early-season snow total to roughly 13 inches as crews prepare for the scheduled opening day on November 20.