Jul 29, 2003
A thunderstorm moved through the town of Ajo around 800 pm MST, producing heavy rain which resulted in a flash flood. Ajo police reported 2.75 inches of precipitation after the event occurred. It was estimated that near 4.0 inches of precipitation feel in 45 minutes over the Phelps Dodge area. Most damage occurred near Gibson Wash, with 2nd Avenue bridge overtopped by 3 feet of water. The railroad was also overtopped. Fences were downed due to rushing water and several road were washed out.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5330430). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Pima County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.