At least two people died in floods caused by severe rain storms in southern Arizona, Tuesday.
The rain was caused by the remnants of Hurricane Norbert pushing into the desert Southwest, reports the Associated Press. Phoenix witnessed record rainfall for a single day. Roads turned into lakes and in some parts more like rivers.
The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning west of Phoenix and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer declared a statewide emergency. "Non-essential state employees should stay home today," she advised. "If you must travel, please do so with caution and be safe!"
Parts of Nevada also witnessed torrential rains and 190 people from an Indian reservation about 50 miles northeast of Last Vegas were evacuated after more than 4 inches of heavy pour. This caused the Virgin River to swell to dangerous level.
Cars were submerged in certain parts of Southern California, buildings were destroyed and trees were uprooted.
The East Coast is also experiencing major flooding. According to the officials in coastal Virginia, 30 inches of water covered some roads and there was continuous downpour. Parts of the East Coast are expecting 6 to 10 inches of rain in the coming days.
Norbert's effects will likely remain through Tuesday evening, National Weather Service meteorologist Charlotte Dewey said. "It looks like things could still be active tomorrow, but I don't think we're going to see the rainfall amounts we saw today," she said Monday evening. "I think by tomorrow evening, the threat of heavy rainfall will be gone."
