Weather Service warns of monsoon flooding

Heavy rain is forecast for today and tonight, with showers expected through Monday, said the U.S. Weather Service as the Mexican Monsoon covers the area.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service warned of flooding on Coronado National Forest land, including Madera Canyon.

The storms, also known as the Arizona, Desert and North American Monsoons, generally last about three months, triggered by hot desert temperatures and a change of prevailing winds that scoop up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and even the Pacific.

Because the storms can be severe, dumping torrents in just minutes, weather watchers say beware of low lying places and roads that cross a running stream.

They can flood within minutes trapping motorists in their cars and occasionally sweeping away vehicles.

Low water crossings on the Santa Cruz River should be avoided at all times during storms.

Monsoon flooding can be sneaky as rivers rise although there may be no local rain and the sun is out. The water comes from rain that fell miles upstream.

Often heavy winds accompany the storms, tearing limbs from trees, threatening birds and making it difficult for rabbits to gallop through the desert that’s awash with rain.

Uprooted trees are not uncommon.

Hail is frequent.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749