Arizona’s Weather is A Lot Deadlier Than You Might Think!
The summer of 2026 has been a weather nightmare for Cochise County. I remember hearing about a tornado warning the other week and watching as people in the community quickly became concerned. As many people predicted, a tornado never touched the ground.
However, Arizona is home to the two deadliest weather phenomena in the U.S.: Extreme Heat and Flash Floods. Here is why Cochise County should be more concerned about extreme heat and flash floods than a tornado warning.
READ MORE ABOUT THE TORNADO WARNING: What The Difference Between A Tornado Watch And Warning Is
Our Weather Kills More People Annually
When people think of deadly weather, they often think of tornadoes and hurricanes. However, the reality is much different. According to NAOO and the CDC, extreme heat kills more than 800 people each year, and flash floods kill between 80 and 100 people annually.
By comparison, tornadoes are responsible for about 60 to 70 deaths each year, while lightning kills around 40 people. Hurricanes can be deadlier, but 57% of hurricane-related deaths are caused by flooding, not the storm itself. In other words, the weather threats we face every summer in Southern Arizona are statistically the deadliest.
READ ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE: How Arizonans Can Prepare For Wildfires And Floods
Floodwaters Are Dangerous
One of the biggest dangers we experience every monsoon is how quickly floodwaters can become deadly. The National Weather Service explains that it takes only six inches of moving water to knock an adult off their feet, and less to knock over a small adult, a kid, or the elderly. Just a foot of water can carry an entire vehicle off the road.
Southern Arizona is especially vulnerable because our dry, hard-packed soil does not absorb water very well. Even storms miles away can send water rushing through washes, low-water crossings, and roads with little warning.
READ: How Often Do Tornadoes Actually Touch Down In Arizona
Turn around, don't drown
Every year you likely hear the phrase, turn around, don't drown! That saying exists for a reason. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, half of flash flood deaths happen when motorists drive through flooded roadways, assuming the water is shallow enough to cross safely.
The problem is that floodwater is often deeper and moving faster than it appears. In some cases, the road underneath has already been washed away completely. If you come across a flooded roadway, don't take the risk. Turn around, find another route, or wait for the water to recede.
READ MORE: How Arizona's Monsoon Season Works And Why It Matters
Extreme Heat
While Flash Floods are sudden and powerful, extreme heat is silent and much deadlier, killing over 500 people annually in Arizona alone. In Cochise County, triple-digit temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body can no longer cool itself, causing body temperatures to rise to dangerous levels (103+ degrees). Without immediate medical attention, heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage or death.
READ!!!!: How To Stay Cool During Arizona's Hot Summer Months
According to the CDC, Arizona is considered the deadliest state when it comes to extreme heat. However, when it comes to flooding, we are ranked the 6th deadliest state. I know the idea of a tornado touching down can be freaky, but it's not what we should be concerned with when it comes to extreme weather. Heat and floods may not be the most dramatic weather concerns, but they are the deadliest.
CONTINUE READING: How Hot Do Parked Cars Get In Arizona's Summer Heat
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Gallery Credit: Brad Elliott
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Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow
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