Arizona-Texas Weather: Polo Fuels Flood Risk Through Friday

Tucson, AZ – Tropical moisture tied to Hurricane Polo is spreading across the Southwest Tuesday, raising flash-flood concerns in Arizona before the moisture shifts toward New Mexico and Texas into Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, much of southeastern Arizona is under a Flash Flood Watch through 11 p.m. Tuesday, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches expected and localized mountain totals of 1.5 to 3 inches.

The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of southeastern Arizona in a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall, meaning numerous flash-flood events are possible. Forecasters warned that streams, washes and larger rivers could rise, especially where repeated thunderstorms occur.

Flood watches also extend across portions of northern and central Arizona Tuesday, where the National Weather Service warned of heavy rainfall and localized flooding. The main focus of the tropical moisture is expected to shift eastward Wednesday.

In Texas, forecasters say Polo's remnant moisture will interact with a slow-moving cold front, setting the stage for several days of showers and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Austin-San Antonio expects widespread storm totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches possible through Friday.

The heaviest Texas rain and flash-flood threat is expected from Wednesday night into Friday, particularly across parts of the southern Edwards Plateau, Rio Grande Plains, Interstate 35 corridor and Hill Country.

The Storm Prediction Center also has parts of west and north-central Texas under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms Wednesday, with damaging wind gusts and possibly a tornado or two among the threats as Polo's remnants move into the southern Plains.

Travelers should avoid flooded roads and monitor local warnings as the tropical moisture progresses east.