Cochise County Prepares for Tropical Storm Priscilla
On Friday, the Cochise County Emergency Management Agency issued a warning about the impending heavy rain from Tropical Storm Priscilla, expected to affect the region over the next few days. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Dan Dushawn, the Emergency Services Director, emphasized that this storm differs from usual monsoon patterns. It’s set to bring consistent rain to areas that are already saturated, which could lead to significant and prolonged flooding. He reiterated a crucial safety tip: “Turn around and don’t drown,” to remind everyone about the dangers on the roads.
The National Weather Service in Tucson forecasts that the storm will begin Saturday and continue through Monday. Dushawn mentioned that weather models suggest rainfall totals will likely reach around 1.8 to 2.0 inches in numerous places, with a chance of some areas seeing upwards of 2.5 inches, and a slight risk of localized spots exceeding 3 to 3.5 inches.
This combination of rainfall and already wet ground greatly heightens the chances of flash flooding and extended flooding events. Dushawn pointed out recent flood-related fatalities both locally and statewide, including an incident in Benson last month and several near Grove, to highlight the risks, especially for those in vehicles during floods.
He went on to explain the county’s tiered notification system, which includes alerts on TV, interruptions on the radio, and wireless emergency messages sent to specific cell phones. Additionally, residents can sign up to link their phone numbers to their home addresses in order to receive alerts no matter where they are. “Whether you’re in town, Tucson, or even out of state, you can still get emergency alerts at home,” he noted.
The county recommends that residents pre-register at cochise.myfreealerts.com and stay updated through Cochise County’s official social media channels, the Sheriff’s Office, or local city pages for confirmed updates. Dushawn also urged families to create emergency kits, plan for their pets and those in need, and to view the “Set” alert as an indicator to prepare while the “Go” alert is a clear evacuation order.
For those needing assistance—such as individuals with disabilities or those with large animals—Dushawn asked them to contact the county proactively if they receive a “set” notice, so resources can be allocated ahead of time.
The county noted that due to the storm’s widespread nature and the prolonged duration, the risk of flash flooding will vary based on local terrain and drainage systems. Residents should view the forecasts as a prompt to prepare rather than a definitive prediction.
To receive official alerts and register for notifications, residents can go to cochise.myfreealerts.com and follow Cochise County’s social media for the latest updates.
