Storm leaves several motorists, students stranded in Tucson

A thunderstorm rolled into the Tucson-area Thursday afternoon and dumped heavy rain in portions of the city flooding roads and stranding motorists.

There were no reports of injuries to stranded motorists, authorities said.

Tucson Electric Power Co. crews were working to restore power to 700 customers throughout the city, said Joseph Barrios, a TEP spokesman.

Power outages were reported after 4 p.m. on up to 5:30 p.m. when the rain subsided.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department swift water rescue team pulled five people out of vehicles in flooded roads southwest of the city, said Deputy Tom Peine, a sheriff’s department spokesman.

All those rescued were adults — including a couple who were both age 80, Peine said.

Flooding on roads prevented Banks Elementary School students from leaving campus at dismissal time. Banks Elementary is within the Tucson Unified School District.

Students remained at the school, 3200 S. Lead Flower Ave., until washes cleared, and sheriff’s department deputies determined the roads were safe.

The school is located north of West Bopp Road and east of South San Joaquin Road.