Large hail, flash flooding damage Arizona as more storms loom
Severe thunderstorms roared across Arizona from Wednesday into Thursday, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding that spurred dramatic rescues and road damage, including a rockslide in Clifton. The event marked notable extremes, including Arizona’s first tornado watch since October 2010, as storms tracked from northern Arizona toward the Grand Canyon and into the Southwest. Forecasters warned of repeated downpours filling dry washes and shifting risk into New Mexico and southern Utah in the following days. The broader impact underscored ongoing severe-weather threats in the region, with authorities and residents urged to monitor rapid changes and prepare for renewed activity into the weekend.
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A multi-day severe weather outbreak affected central and eastern Arizona, with additional risk predicted for southern Utah and western New Mexico, driven by strong storm systems moving through the Southwest.
Clifton, Arizona experienced flooding and a rockslide caused by heavy rain, burying vehicles under debris and damaging a residential road as mud and floodwater swept through the area on Oct. 21, 2026.
Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, was under a tornado watch through Wednesday evening, marking the first such watch in the state since October 2010, according to the National Weather Service.
Near the Grand Canyon, a supercell produced dramatic visuals, including a rainbow as storms moved away, while reports indicated hail up to about 2 inches in diameter near Phoenix.
Forecasts indicated another round of severe thunderstorms targeting central and eastern Arizona on Thursday, with the threat expanding into southern Utah and western New Mexico; damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding were the main concerns, with wash and drainage basins at risk of rapid filling.
The weather pattern suggested the severe threat would shift toward New Mexico by Friday, though storms could persist over the interior West into the weekend, prompting ongoing warnings and readiness among residents and responders.