Sunday storms cause floods, knock out power

July 16, 2012

Severe storms in Tucson yesterday downed power lines and caused flash flooding. The Tucson metro area saw between 1 inch and 2.5 inches of rain Sunday afternoon and evening. 

There were also reports of some fairly large hail, and a wind gust that reached 61 miles per hour. Two people caught in flash floods had to be rescued.

About 20,000 people in Tucson and Marana lost power during the storms. Crews worked overnight to restore service. The most recent update from Tucson Electric Power was that about 5,600 people were still without service.

There was also some rain across the Phoenix area. The National Weather Service saw reports of blowing dust in Ahwatukee, as well as some fairly heavy rain in Goodyear and around Papago Park.

Residents of Crown King are dealing with the effects of a mudslide that forced the closure of main roads yesterday. Crown King Road is expected to be closed Monday as work crews clear debris. The mudslide was likely exacerbated by the Gladiator Fire, which scorched thousands of acres near the town earlier this year.

Updated 7/16/2012 at 9:45 a.m.