Three rescues in under 30 minutes, with one person getting swept into a raging river of floodwater, was the scene in Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson saw dangerous flash flooding within minutes as heavy thunderstorms added more rain to already saturated ground.
Within less than half an hour, crews carried out three separate rescues, including one involving a driver swept into the Alamo Wash.
Here's what to know
According to an Instagram post from FOX Weather, emergency responders in Tucson handled three flood rescues in under 30 minutes.
SWIFT WATER RESCUES Tucson Fire responded to multiple swift-water calls tonight, with three incidents happening in less than half an hour. At 4:47 p.m., crews responded to Calle Betelgeux and South Avenida Sirio for an occupied vehicle in moving water. Crews found the driver sitting on top of the vehicle. The crew from Ladder 9 used the aerial ladder to safely rescue the driver. At 5:01 p.m., crews responded to North Alamo Avenue and East Rosewood Street for a report of a submerged vehicle being swept toward Speedway Boulevard with someone still inside. The driver was then swept down the Alamo Wash. The first two crew members on scene were able to pull the driver from the water with help from a neighbor. The driver was transported to a local hospital. At 5:12 p.m., crews were called to the area behind TMC near Grant Road and Wyatt Drive for a report of a person being actively swept away. The person was able to climb out of the water with help from security guards and transported to a local hospital. ⚠️REMINDER! These calls happened quickly, all in less than 30 minutes, highlighting how fast conditions can become dangerous during heavy rain. Never drive or walk through moving or flooded water. Turn around and find another route. Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep away a vehicle or a person.
— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) September 15, 2026
The incidents included a motorist swept into the Alamo Wash, along with two other people rescued after flooding trapped them in vehicles and exposed them to rushing water.
In areas like Arizona, once the soil can no longer absorb much water, runoff builds quickly and can surge across roads, drainage channels, and other low-lying areas.
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Roads that appear passable can hide moving water strong enough to carry away a vehicle, and washes can fill with little warning during a storm.
More background
Flash flooding creates serious public health risks. Fast-moving water can spread debris and contamination, create dangerous travel conditions, and leave communities coping with infrastructure damage long after the rain has stopped.
In places where stormwater moves through washes and low crossings, the margin for error can be small. When repeated downpours hit within a short period, those systems can be overwhelmed, sending water into streets and trapping anyone who underestimates the speed or depth of the flow.
What can be done?
Never drive into flooded roadways.
Even shallow-looking water can hide a washed-out surface or a strong current, and once a car begins to float, the floodwater takes control of the vehicle.
If storms are moving through your area, delaying travel, checking local forecasts, avoiding low-water crossings, and knowing alternate routes can reduce the risk of becoming trapped.
If water begins rising around a vehicle, calling emergency services right away can save critical time.
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at flood rescues, submerged homes and cars, flash-flood emergencies, storm tracking, and weather-related health risks.
• In Yakutia, crews made over 100 rescues after floodwaters stranded residents and animals.
• Across Texas, forecasters tracked a disturbance over Mexico to understand deadly 2025 flooding.
• Across the U.S., weather disasters raise death rates for weeks after storms and floods.
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