Fridayβs deluge was one for the record books .
The 0.83 of an inch that officially fell at the Tucson International Airport broke the previous record for July 1, which was 0.71 of an inch in 1898.
The storms, which brought 2 inches of rain to some parts of Tucson, had another benefit: Tucsonβs high reached just 85 degrees, a departure of 17 degrees from the normal high this time of year of 102 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms caused flooded streets and washes that stranded numerous motorists. The severe weather also led to the temporary suspension of service for the downtown streetcar.
The Tucson Fire Department said crews responded to about 60 water-related calls during the downpour. Many of those calls were for vehicles stuck in high water. No serious injuries were reported.
Pima County Regional Flood Control gauges showed some significant rainfall totals by mid-day:
- 2.17 inches at the Alamo Wash and Glenn Street.
- 1.57 inches at Valencia Road and the Pima Air and Space Museum.
- 1.30 to 1.50 inches in the Tanque Verde area.
- 1 inch at Irvington Road and Pantano Road.
- 0.80 of an inch at the Santa Cruz River and Valencia Road.
Other areas of metro Tucson show totals of one-half-inch to nearly 1 inch in many locations. The University of Arizona had recorded 1.24 inches as of Friday evening.
The holiday weekend is shaping up to be mainly dry, with only a slight chance of rain Saturday, and clear skies Sunday and July 4. Highs will be around 100.
