The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Coconino County, effective now through Saturday at noon. Affected areas include the Grand Canyon, Kaibab Plateau, Mogollon Rim, Little Colorado River Valley, Marble and Glen Canyons, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyon. Abundant monsoon moisture is expected to begin Friday morning, continuing through the day with widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at times. Coconino County Emergency Management officials advise people to stay out of washes, streams and poor drainage areas. Burn scars from recent wildfires will be especially prone to flash flooding. You can sign up for emergency alerts at https://coconino.az.gov/ready.
The National Weather Service office in Phoenix said Thursday the latest drought monitor now has 52% of Arizona in either extreme or exceptional drought, down from 84% last week.