Water Damage Restoration in Tucson, AZ
Tucson by the numbers: 121 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 12 freezing nights a year, 1 federal disaster declaration since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Arizona insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Tucson
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Tucson Floods
Pima County logged flooding on 121 days from 2016 to 2025 (202 NOAA reports), July most often.
At the Tucson 6.4 SSE gauge, August is the wettest month with 2.4 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 1 |
| February | 1 | 1.1 |
| March | 0 | 0.6 |
| April | 1 | 0.3 |
| May | 0 | 0.2 |
| June | 4 | 0.3 |
| July | 50 | 2.4 |
| August | 48 | 2.4 |
| September | 13 | 1.4 |
| October | 3 | 0.8 |
| November | 0 | 0.6 |
| December | 0 | 1.1 |
Freezing Nights in Tucson
Tucson averages 12 nights a year at or below 32°F (Tucson International Airport station). NOAA counted 35 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Pima County from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Tucson
Pima County was named in 1 federal weather or fire declaration since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- July 11, 2026: Thunderstorm wind, 81 mph gust (Pima County)ASOS station KDMA Davis Monthan AFB recorded wind gust of 70 kts.
- July 2, 2024: Tornado, EF1 (Pima County)A tornado with a maximum intensity of EF-1 developed in the vicinity of the Amazon Fulfillment Center near Kolb Road and Valencia Road.
- August 13, 2023: Tornado, EF0 (Pima County)Trained spotters submitted a video of a landspout tornado. Location estimated to be in an open area near Orange Grove Road and Blanco Wash Trail.
- July 28, 2023: Hail, 1.75 inch hail (Pima County)Hail ranging from the size of quarters to golf balls fell from Speedway and Wilmot to Broadway and Campbell. There were sporadic reports of damage to car windows and skylights.
- July 10, 2018: Flash flood (Pima County)Thunderstorms produced 2 to 3 inches of rain in around on hour on both sides of I-10 from Cortaro to Twin Peaks which caused flash flooding. Some of these areas had als received 1 to 2 inches of rain two days earlier.
Federal disaster declarations
- June 11, 2020: Big Horn FireFire, FEMA FM-5312
Tucson Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Tucson (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 247,823 housing units, a median build year of 1979, 53% built before 1980, 32% before 1970, 52% owner occupied.
Arizona Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Arizona insurers that do not pay a first-party claim within 30 days after an acceptable proof of loss must pay interest at the legal rate (A.R.S. 20-462).
Claim problems in Arizona go to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Tucson flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Tucson
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
More Arizona Cities
Other Arizona city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Tucson?
The median first night at or below 32°F is December 9 and the median last is February 5 at the Tucson International Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, A.R.S. 20-462, EPA mold guide.