News Summary
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms that caused life-threatening flash flooding, with warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Rescue operations took place due to flooding, and substantial rainfall milestones were recorded, disrupting travel and leading to numerous road closures. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport faced significant travel disruptions as well. The severe weather was attributed to a strong low-pressure system causing unusually high moisture levels. Residents are urged to remain cautious as meteorologists expect continued storm activity.
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms on September 26, triggering life-threatening flash flooding across the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings, urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Flash flood warnings remained in effect until at least 7 p.m. as heavy rainfall caused significant disruptions to travel and posed risks to public safety.
At least one rescue operation was conducted in Maricopa County due to the flooding. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning presented an additional hazard, as strikes were reported occurring up to 10 miles away from the thunderstorms. Large hail, measuring between 1 to 1.5 inches, was also reported in the Phoenix area, exacerbating conditions.
By the end of the day, the NWS recorded 1.64 inches of rainfall in Phoenix, marking it the most significant daily rainfall since 2018. Some areas in central Phoenix experienced over 3 inches of rain as thunderstorms continued throughout the day. In Pinal County, rain totals ranged from 1 to 2 inches, leading to continued flooding concerns.
As a result of the severe weather, numerous roadways were closed, including State Routes 287 and 79, along with U.S. 60, creating hazardous travel conditions. Significant flooding incidents were reported across Tempe, central Phoenix, and Sun City. The interchange between I-17 and I-10 near the airport was also closed due to mud and debris from the storm.
Travel disruptions were felt extensively at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where a ground stop was implemented. Arriving flights faced delays, and at least 15 flights were diverted to Tucson International Airport as a result of the adverse weather. The PHX Sky Train, which typically provides transport between Terminal 3 and the Rental Car Center, was temporarily out of service due to flooding, necessitating bus services for passengers.
Fire and medical crews were involved in a rescue operation for a person trapped in a wash in Wittmann amidst the stormy conditions. Additionally, Waymo suspended its autonomous vehicle service in the Phoenix area due to safety concerns related to the severe weather. The NWS extended flash flood warnings throughout the day, reiterating the importance of caution when traveling in flooded areas.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of the storms included advisories emphasizing the need for caution against driving through barricaded roadways. Over 16,000 customers in the area lost power as a consequence of the storm’s disruptions. Meteorologists predicted that storm activity would continue into the evening, with further rain expected over the weekend.
This unusual weather event was attributed to an unseasonably strong low-pressure system over Southern California that funneled moisture into Arizona. Notably, the storms caused a drop in afternoon temperatures to 67 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor, adding to the unpredictability of the weather.
The severe thunderstorms prompted the cancellation of various events, including Arizona State University’s tailgate, due to concerns for public safety amid ongoing severe weather conditions. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as the NWS continues to monitor the situation closely.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15 News
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Phoenix Weather
- KTAR News
- Google Scholar: Weather Events in Phoenix
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather In Arizona
- AZ Family Video
- Google News: Monsoon Storms Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
