A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Flagstaff on Wednesday, July 16, for portions of Interstate 17 between mile marker 302 and 313. This warning applies to Coconino County and runs through 9:45 p.m.

At 8:10 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.25 inches were possible in the warned area. Flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Locations that would experience flash flooding included Wet Beaver Wilderness, Apache Maid Mountain, Bell Crossing/The Crack, Munds Mountain Wilderness and T-Bar Ranch.

This included the following creeks, washes and rivers: Dry Beaver Creek, Rattlesnake Canyon, Beaver Creek, Jacks Canyon and Rarick Canyon.

The weather service also warned of flash flooding in and around the West Fire burn area in Gila and Coconino counties until 9:45 p.m.

At 7:59 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the West Fire burn area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of up to 0.5 inch were possible in the warned area. Flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Locations that would experience flash flooding included Geronimo Estates and Pine.

This included the following creeks, washes and rivers: Clear Creek and West Webber Creek.

The National Weather Service warned of "life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses."

See weather radar for northern Arizona

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. If you are in a flood-prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The weather service issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
Turn around, don't drown: Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water, or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
Watch out for fire hazards.
Move to higher ground.
Stay alert and turn weather notifications on.
Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

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(This story was updated to add new information, a video playlist and a new gallery.)