Event narrative (NOAA)
A powerful Pacific low pressure system moving slowly east across Arizona interacted with deep moisture to produce widespread moderate to heavy rain across the higher terrain areas to the north and east of Phoenix during the morning hours on November 29th. Initially the heavy rain led to flash flooding and caused area washes and creeks to flow heavily. Water rose above action stage in Tonto Creek by mid morning, and continued to rise into the afternoon hours. According to local law enforcement, at about 1600MST a large vehicle drove around barriers and attempted to cross flooded Tonto Creek about 3 miles to the southeast of Punkin Center. The vehicle contained at least 2 adults and 7 children. The vehicle was swept away by rapidly flowing flood waters; the 2 adults were rescued along with 4
Other notable flood events in Arizona
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.