Recent rainy spell hazardous for some, enjoyed by others
Meteorologist: Aaron Brackett
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Rain pounded the region all weekend long, slicking streets and flooding washes - all in all, just under an inch fell in Tucson, but higher amounts on the northwest side meant flooded roads.
A driver trying to cross the Camino Del Oro wash at Overton wasn't so lucky. KGUN9's cameras caught a man and a tow truck driver winching a small SUV out of the muddy canal. Despite the heavy rain, this was the only report of submerged vehicle according to Deputy Tom Peine with the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Further east, Ryan Althaus, a bicyclist on vacation from a much chillier location, said the weather surprised him.
"Its gorgeous, we just came in from Louisville expecting the desert - I almost drowned", he said jokingly. "Its freezing and a bit strange, I think I rode through a cloud at some point, that was fun".
Further north, tour bus drivers at Sabino Canyon worked feverishly to clear water off the seats. Rangers closed some paths due to high water, but some people still ventured out. Becky Mosberg and Jenny Solderholm hiked in today's rain, but were very careful after hearing recent news of people trapped by water.
"We heard about the flash flood in Bear Canyon over the weekend, so we talked to the guys in the visitor center, and they gave us some hints," said Mosberg.
Despite many folks enjoying the wet weather, Overton Road remained closed Monday afternoon and Deputy Peine said the sheriff's department has already issued a few citations to drivers trying to go through anyway. .
A bit of good news, The Pima Department of Transportation told 9OYS they began work early this morning on La Cholla Blvd. which was damaged by the weekend rain. As of early Monday afternoon, the road was open again.
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