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Flash flood risk rises in Arizona as heavy rain moves into the state

By
FOX 10 Phoenix
Monsoons
Updated September 28, 2026 6:53 PM MST Published September 28, 2026 6:33 PM MST
Arizona braces for late-season monsoon storm
Arizona braces for late-season monsoon storm

Arizona braces for late-season monsoon storm

Remnants of offshore hurricanes are could bring up to two inches of rain to parts of Arizona, and areas east of Phoenix are at the highest risk for floods. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz has more.

The Brief

    • The majority of Arizona is under a flood watch through Tuesday evening as storm systems move toward the West Coast.
    • The rainfall is largely beneficial for the dry region, but rapid accumulation on hard ground creates a flash flooding risk, especially east of Phoenix.
    • Residents in at-risk homes are advised to prepare sandbags and stack them in a brick pattern near doors and entryways.

PHOENIX - The majority of Arizona is under a flood watch on Sept. 28 that was issued by the National Weather Service, as rain is expected throughout most of the state due to the storm systems moving toward the West Coast.

What To Expect:

Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Phoenix, said, "We can see anywhere from a half an inch to as much as two inches of rain in some areas."

The National Weather Service says the state can expect widespread rain through Tuesday evening. That is due to storm systems moving toward the West Coast.

"What's happening is that we have a combination of moisture associated with the remnants of what was once Hurricane Odalys and then Hurricane Polo, which is now going to make landfall in the Baja, California, area later today," Lojero said.

Local perspective:

Meteorologists say in most areas of Arizona, the rain is needed, but there is still a risk for flooding, especially in areas east of Phoenix.

Brian Hurley, senior national forecaster for the National Weather Service, said, "I think for most areas, it's going to be beneficial rainfall. But because it has been so dry, sometimes the soils could be very, the term is hydrophobic. We start seeing more runoff because the ground is hard."

"Any time you see heavy rainfall in such a short amount of time, especially those areas that get the majority of activity are going to be at the greatest risk for flash flooding," Lojero added.

The Flood Control District of Maricopa County says anyone whose home may be at risk should have sandbags on hand just in case.
Kim McMahon, public information officer for the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, advised, "You fill the sandbags halfway the three quarters of the way full of sand, and you stack them in a brick pattern."

"You want to focus on places like your doors or, garage doors, anywhere where the water could come in or that it’s below," McMahon said.

The National Weather Service says the majority of flood risks will be in areas east of Phoenix, along with parts of New Mexico. Things should clear up by Wednesday.

Free sand for sandbags in parts of the Valley
Free sand for sandbags in parts of the Valley

Free sand for sandbags in parts of the Valley

As active weather moves across parts of Arizona, some cities in the Phoenix area are providing free sand, so that people can fill up sandbags ahead as a way to prepare for potential flash flooding. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi reports.

The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Gabriel Lojero, meteorologist for the National Weather Service Phoenix; Brian Hurley, senior national forecaster for the National Weather Service; and Kim McMahon, public information officer for the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

MonsoonsPhoenixNews