A westward moving upper level trough over northern Mexico helped place much of Arizona under broad difluent flow aloft, aiding in the development of thunderstorms across the state. Scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon on the 29th across the high terrain of Arizona as daytime heating led to increasing upslope flow along terrain features. Abundant moisture in place allowed for thunderstorms to produce locally heavy rainfall, which led to instances of flash flooding across south-central Arizona. Thunderstorms over southern Gila County produced heavy rainfall over multiple burn scars, leading to enhanced runoff and flash flooding. The most significant impacts occurred after thunderstorms over the recent Telegraph fire burn scar produced 2-3 inches of rain, resulting in rapid rises in Bloody Tanks Wash and Russell Gulch. This resulted in catastrophic flash flooding in Miami where numerous homes, businesses, and roads were inundated with flood waters. A rare Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Miami due to the catastrophic flash flooding. No injuries were reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-21 18:15:00 to 29-JUL-21 19:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: BORCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The USGS stream gage along Pinal Creek at Inspiration Dam near Globe measured an approximate rise of 4.25 feet in a 15 minute period. The gage recorded a peak of 5.73 feet at 1820MST. No damage or injuries were reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-21 20:20:00 to 29-JUL-21 23:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: PUNKIN CENTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A USGS stream gage along Tonto Creek above Gun Creek recorded a rapid rise, peaking above 6.9 feet, with high flow exceeding action stage. Flash flooding impacted unbridged crossings along Tonto Creek downstream of the gage. The public confirmed the closure of unbridged crossings due to the flooding. Timing was estimated from the gage reaching action stage. No damage or injuries were reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-21 15:00:00 to 29-JUL-21 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: BORCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

At 1600MST, Arizona Department of Transportation reported Highway 188 was closed in both directions at mile post 219 due to flooding of Pinal Creek. Flood water originated from the Telegraph burn scar with flow from Bloody Tanks Wash and Russell Gulch merging into Pinal Creek. Timing of initial flood wave estimated from radar. No damages or injuries were reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-21 14:10:00 to 29-JUL-21 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: MIAMI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 40.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

After 2.5-3.5 inches of rain fell over the northern portion of the Telegraph burn scar, runoff rapidly collected in Bloody Tanks Wash and flowed downstream through the town of Miami causing catastrophic damage. A rain gage in Russell Gulch to the south measured 2.01 inches of rain between 1316MST and 1414MST with a brief period where rain rates were as high as 8-9 inches per hour with 0.87 inches measured in 10 minutes. At 1438MST Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported US-60 was closed in both directions at mile post 243 due to water moving over the road. Between 1440MST and 1500MST, a trained spottered reported the flood water was coming out of the banks of the wash at the intersection of Canyon Avenue and US-60 and video showed 6 to 8 feet of flood water in the wash coming up to the base of multiple bridges between Sullivan Street and US-60. Water and mud spilled out of the wash near Cordova Avenue, with flow down Sullivan Street, and entered homes and businesses. ADOT ended up having US-60 closed in both directions between Miami and the town of Superior until 1920MST. According to Gila County Emergency Management and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, approximately 600 homes and 10 businesses experienced some form of flood damage.  No injuries were reported and the full extent of damage costs are unknown.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-21 20:20:00 to 29-JUL-21 21:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: CAREFREE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A USGS gage along Cave Creek below Cottonwood Creek recorded a rapid rise and exceeded action stage. This gage measured an approximate rise of 5 feet in a 20 minute period and crested at 8.05 feet at 2030MST. No damage or injuries were reported.