News Summary
Significant flooding hit Downtown Phoenix late Tuesday due to monsoon storms, causing hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. The underpass at 17th Avenue and Madison Street became a flooding hotspot, with multiple vehicles stranded. Crews worked to assist those affected, and authorities warned of the dangers of navigating flooded streets. The local government reiterated the serious consequences for individuals who defy safety barricades. Residents are urged to remain cautious and informed as storm chances continue throughout the week, impacting driving conditions and local safety.
Downtown Phoenix Flooded Following Severe Monsoon Storms
Downtown Phoenix experienced significant flooding and disruption late Tuesday evening as monsoon storms swept across the Valley, leading to hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. The underpass at 17th Avenue and Madison Street became a focal point of the flooding, with multiple vehicles trapped in the rising water.
As the situation unfolded, crews were seen helping pedestrians and bicyclists navigate flooded roadways. By 6 a.m. Wednesday, the area was officially blocked off by road crews to prevent further incidents. The flooding was prompted by a significant monsoon storm on Monday night, followed by additional rainfall on Tuesday.
Authorities have issued a warning for drivers to adhere to the advice: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flooded roadways. Experts indicate that just six inches of standing water can cause most cars to lose control or stall, heightening the danger for those who attempt to navigate through flooded streets. Additionally, there is a risk that the road beneath the water may have collapsed due to the weight of the standing water, posing further risks to motorists.
The local government has reiterated the potential consequences for individuals who circumvent barricades to cross flooded roads. Drivers who require rescue may incur hefty fines under Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law,” enacted in 1995 to discourage reckless choices during flooding situations. At this time, it remains undetermined whether drivers trapped in the flooded underpass will face citations or penalties.
Impact of the Storm
The thunderstorms caused widespread heavy rain throughout the West Valley late Tuesday, with reports indicating that about 0.7 inches of rain fell in Paradise Valley and 0.6 inches in Surprise. Furthermore, the National Weather Service (NWS) had earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning covering parts of Phoenix, Tolleson, and Laveen. Although this warning expired at 9:45 p.m., thunderstorms continued to unleash strong winds and rain across the region, particularly in the West Valley.
Wind gusts recorded in Goodyear reached 53 mph, illustrating the severity of the storms that moved through the area. The NWS has forecasted that storm chances will persist throughout the week, with the possibility of localized heavy rainfall and strong winds continuing to pose a risk to residents and drivers.
Forecast and Continuing Precautions
The weather system is also expected to bring a considerable drop in temperatures, with highs predicted to settle in the low 100s or high 90s. Residents are advised to remain alert and cautious during this period of unpredictable weather, ensuring they stay informed about potential flooding and associated hazards in their areas.
As the Valley moves forward, local authorities urge everyone to practice safe driving behavior and to heed safety warnings during and after severe weather events to prevent dangerous situations like the flooding in downtown Phoenix.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Flooding Blocks Road Downtown Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- AZ Central: Phoenix Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Phoenix Weather Flooding
- ABC15: Cars Stuck in Flooded Phoenix Underpass
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Fox Weather: Phoenix Haboob and Dust Storm
- Google News: Arizona Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF 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.
