News Summary
The Phoenix metro area faced significant disruptions due to strong winds, thunderstorms, and dust storms. Wind gusts reached up to 60 mph, causing power outages and travel disruptions across the region. The National Weather Service issued several warnings, including a Flash Flood Warning for Maricopa County. As communities recover, residents are advised to stay informed about ongoing weather developments while preparing for cooler temperatures and high pollution advisories in the coming days.
Phoenix Experiences Severe Weather Disruptions
Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix metro area was hit by strong winds, thunderstorms, and dust storms on Monday evening, leading to significant disruptions and alerts. Wind gusts were reported at speeds up to 60 mph, particularly in communities such as Queen Creek and Fountain Hills.
As thunderstorms approached the region, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued several warnings. A dust storm warning was announced for the Loop 101 in Scottsdale at approximately 5:15 PM, lasting until 6:30 PM. This warning also covered I-10 near Phoenix and Mesa as well as I-10 near Casa Grande. Additionally, a severe thunderstorm warning was established for the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, effective until 7 PM.
Early indications of dust storm effects were noted in the eastern parts of the Valley, particularly in Gold Canyon and Chandler Heights. At around 5 PM, NWS radar projected a 10-30% chance of precipitation in Gilbert and Chandler, with some areas experiencing possibilities as high as 50%.
The storms caused substantial rainfall in different parts of the Valley, particularly in Greater Scottsdale, which experienced nearly 0.47 inches of rain near Pinnacle Peak by 7:22 PM. Other recorded rainfall totals included 0.43 inches in Cline Creek, 0.20 inches at Phoenix’s Gateway Community College, 0.08 inches in Mesa’s Falcon Field, and an equal amount in Cesar Chavez, located in south Phoenix. However, cities in the West Valley, such as Glendale and Buckeye, reported no measurable rainfall.
This weather event comes amidst a challenging monsoon season for the metro area, which began on June 15. Until now, the region has recorded only 0.5 inches of rain, considerably lower than the typical 1.5 inches expected by September 30.
As a precaution, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for Maricopa County, running until 9 PM, advising residents to seek higher ground and avoid floodwaters. The severe storms impacted Pinal County as well, with wind gusts recorded between 50 and 55 mph affecting areas such as Mesa, Gilbert, and Apache Junction. The heavy rains resulted in travel disruptions along U.S. 60 and AZ Route 202.
Power outages were also reported, with over 40,000 residents in the Valley losing electricity during the storm. This weather event prompted many to seek shelter and stay updated on changes to their local conditions.
Despite the severe weather, a shift is expected as the region prepares for cooler temperatures starting Tuesday. Looking ahead, a forecast for Phoenix on September 1 suggests mostly dry weather with temperatures climbing to the 108-degree range as the Labor Day weekend approaches. However, a high pollution advisory has been issued for Maricopa County due to the combination of high temperatures and light winds, indicating that residents should remain cautious about air quality conditions.
As communities recover from Monday’s weather impacts, it is essential for residents to stay informed about ongoing weather developments and to continue monitoring advisories from local authorities.
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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.
