Yuma sets daily rain record at 0.62 inches

Yuma County typically experiences its heaviest storms in late November, but an unseasonable weather system brought record precipitation to the region this past weekend.

The National Weather Service recorded 0.62 inches of rain at Yuma International Airport on Sunday. This figure broke the previous daily record of 0.22 inches, which was set in 1987. The sudden downpour caused localized flooding that disrupted commercial operations and travel routes.

Standing water surrounded parking lots and businesses in Yuma. Grove 95, a local restaurant, closed its doors over the weekend because of the flooding. Coby Crouch, co-owner of The Lemon Grove and Grove 95, explained that the site acts like a bowl, causing water to pool in that specific area.

Crouch noted that while the property has seen pooling in the past, this storm arrived much earlier than expected in the fall and winter season. He reported that no permanent damage occurred to the building, but the timing created supply chain concerns for the local winter agriculture sector.

The desert region’s agriculture partners supply fresh produce to restaurants like Grove 95. Crouch stated that heavy rain can wash out early plantings, forcing farmers to restart their crops. This process disrupts tight delivery schedules and can affect restaurant inventory. Crouch said he is currently communicating with farming partners to monitor harvest schedules and produce availability.

Grove 95 plans to reopen its doors on Tuesday. Travelers across the region faced similar disruptions. About 60 miles north of Yuma, submerged roads forced law enforcement to issue detours, resulting in heavy traffic backups.

West of Yuma, visitors celebrating Halloween at the Imperial Sand Dunes encountered washed-out roadways. Officials closed a major return route toward Yuma due to rising water, leaving drivers to search for alternative paths home.