NewsWPLG Local 10October 31, 2026Miami-Dade County
National Weather Service issues flash flood watches across the U.S. Southwest amid heavy rains
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Heavy rains forecast from Saturday evening through Monday threaten to cause flash and small-stream flooding across saturated areas of the U.S. Southwest. The National Weather Service issued flood watches covering nearly all of Arizona, parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada, following prior flood rescues and fatalities on Friday.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Residents in the Southwest face immediate physical danger and property damage risks from up to 4 inches of rain falling on already saturated ground, with emergency services already responding to multiple vehicle rescues and a fatality.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service issued flood watches for nearly all of Arizona, parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, western New Mexico, and southern Nevada.
- The region could receive as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain from Saturday evening through Monday.
- Prior heavy rains on Friday resulted in multiple flood rescues in Arizona and Nevada.
- The Phoenix Fire Department rescued people from four vehicles on flooded streets on Friday night.
- In Scottsdale, emergency crews rescued occupants from two vehicles that drove into 3 to 4 feet of water during an ongoing rescue operation.
- Crews in Henderson, Nevada, conducted three swift-water rescues on Friday afternoon, which included saving a person from a vehicle rooftop and two people from a vehicle swept off a roadway.
- One person rescued from a wash in Henderson went into cardiac arrest and died at a hospital.
- Heavy rains in Bullhead City, Arizona, left water, rocks, and debris on streets and caused park closures.
- Meteorologist Allison Santorelli noted that little rainfall is needed to cause significant impacts due to existing soil saturation.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDave Folio“Scottsdale fire captain who commented on flood dangers”locationFour Corners“sparsely populated area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet”locationUtah“state with parts under flood watch”locationLas Vegas“city near Henderson, Nevada”locationCollege Park“location of the Weather Prediction Center in Maryland”OrganizationPhoenix Fire Department“rescued people from vehicles on flooded streets on Friday night”locationColorado“state with parts under flood watch”locationArizona“state under flood watch and site of Friday flood rescues”OrganizationNational Weather Service“issued flood watches and monitored weather systems”locationNew Mexico“state with parts under flood watch”locationHenderson“city outside Las Vegas where swift-water rescues were conducted”locationNevada“state with parts under flood watch and site of swift-water rescues”OrganizationWeather Prediction Center“forecast center where Allison Santorelli works”locationU.S. Southwest“region affected by heavy rains and saturated soils”locationBullhead City“city in western Arizona affected by heavy rains, debris, and park closures”PersonAllison Santorelli“meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland”locationMaryland“state where College Park is located”locationScottsdale“city near Phoenix where fire crews performed flood rescues”