Tropical Storm Priscilla Threatens Flash Floods in Southwestern U.S.

Mon Oct 20 2025 20:50:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Residents across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado face increasing flood risks as remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla move inland, bringing heavy rain and the potential for rapid flooding.

Tropical Storm Priscilla, downgraded from hurricane status, is moving towards the southwestern U.S., raising flash flood warnings in states like Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. The storm is expected to deliver significant rainfall in a short time, risking life and property. Meteorologist Robert Rickey alerts residents of the dangers of flash floods, especially in urban and canyon areas. Preparations are underway in Flagstaff and surrounding regions to mitigate potential flooding damages.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A region more accustomed to baking heat than soggy weather is about to get soaked, raising the risk of flash floods that can surprise — and kill — in minutes.

Downgraded from a powerful hurricane, Tropical Storm Priscilla has lost its punch in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. But the storm still carries plenty of moisture and is now bearing down on the southwestern U.S., where flood warnings already were posted Thursday.

Forecasters expected rain bands from Priscilla’s remnants to saturate areas of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado through this weekend, bringing as much moisture in hours as some of those places might get all year.

“We don’t want to see people caught up in the hazards we are going to be seeing,” said meteorologist Robert Rickey with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Arizona will be hit hardest

Northern Arizona is most at risk, with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) of rain likely in and around Flagstaff, the national park gateway city south of the Grand Canyon.

Some areas could get even more, said Rickey, but where exactly that will happen is impossible to predict very long in advance.

The National Weather Service had posted a flash flood watch for most of Arizona, as well as southern Utah and smaller portions of California, Nevada and Colorado. Strong storms already were moving north across Arizona and southern Utah, bringing up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain in places. Scattered flash flood warnings were posted along the state line.

Flooding is the second-deadliest weather phenomenon in the U.S., killing 145 people in 2024. Drivers are often put at risk, and Arizona’s “stupid motorist law” holds reckless drivers accountable by charging them up to $2,000 for rescues.

Residents are advised to stay informed and to take precautions as the storm approaches. Local agencies are prepared with sandbags and emergency protocols to protect citizens from potential flooding.