Flash floods hit Globe–Miami area in Gila County, Arizona

Heavy thunderstorms on September 25 dropped between 25 and 65 mm (1–2.5 inches) of rain across the Globe–Miami area in Gila County, Arizona, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Localized reports indicated more than 50 mm (2 inches) of rain southeast of Globe near Highway 70, contributing to rapid runoff and flooding.

Videos from residents showed roads in downtown Miami transformed into swift-moving torrents. Several vehicles were stranded or damaged as drivers attempted to cross flooded streets.

Some vehicles around the Civit Training Center were reportedly moved up to 9 m (30 feet) by the force of floodwaters.

Water also entered homes and businesses across Globe, Miami, and Claypool, causing property damage. The Walmart in Claypool was temporarily closed due to flooding inside the building and impassable access roads.

The flooding forced the temporary closure of a 6 km (4 miles) section of U.S. 60 in the Miami area. By late afternoon, one lane was reopened between milepost 243 (south of Turner Street) and milepost 247 (near Russell Road).

Residents said water rose to car bumpers, and thick mud covered West Sullivan Street on September 25, Fox 10 reported.

Locals said the severe weather displaced many people and damaged homes and businesses. In one case, a building’s roof was blown off. U.S. 60 was completely shut down in both directions due to the water.

People in the area said they’ve seen flooding before in Miami, but this was likely the worst in at least four years.

The owner of the Wild Horses Saloon, Bill Clemmens, said he got a call saying his entire wall had been blown off.

“It was hard to believe,” Clemmens said. “But then I looked, and I saw what had happened, that it had just come loose from the concrete, and it fell over.”

The NWS had issued a severe thunderstorm warning after lightning and strong showers were spotted over Tonto National Monument. That warning was allowed to expire at 17:00 local time (LT).

Emergency services deployed to monitor debris flows and blocked roads, while warning residents to avoid nonessential travel. Authorities stressed the risks of low-water crossings, where moving floodwater can sweep away vehicles.

With additional storms forecast through the weekend, saturated soils and ongoing runoff are expected to sustain flood risk. NWS advised residents to remain alert to future warnings and avoid flooded areas.

“Rain chances across the region will increase on September 26. Showers and thunderstorms will develop across portions of south-central Arizona and into the Phoenix Metro early afternoon, capable of producing heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding,” said the NWS.

A Flood Watch was issued September 26, covering much of central and southeastern Arizona, with additional rainfall of 25–50 mm (1–2 inches) possible through the day. The watch will remain in effect from 08:00 local time and remain in effect through the evening.

References:

¹ Flood Watch – NWS – September 26, 2025

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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