News Summary
Arizona is dealing with severe rainfall, shattering rainfall records and causing significant flight delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Recent downpours reached unprecedented levels, leading to flood watches across the state. The heavy rains are compounded by flight disruptions due to staffing issues related to the ongoing federal government shutdown. As conditions remain precarious, residents are advised to stay vigilant amid forecasts of more rain, which could lead to further flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Arizona is facing overwhelming challenges as record rainfall and flight delays converge, causing disruptions across the state. Over the weekend, Phoenix experienced significant downpours, leading to unprecedented rainfall levels. On October 11, the previous daily rainfall record of 0.31 inches set in 1928 was shattered when 0.70 inches were recorded by 12:30 p.m. The following day, October 12, witnessed even more rainfall, with the day’s previous record of 0.32 inches from 1957 being eclipsed by a staggering total of 1.97 inches by the end of the day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported varying rainfall across areas, with accumulations between 0.25 and 0.75 inches, while isolated regions saw totals exceeding an inch. Due to heavy rains, flood watches were issued, primarily targeting higher terrain areas north and east of Phoenix where the risk was greatest. As of October 12, significant flooding was reported in parts of south-central Arizona, with the situation worsened by the remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla.
In addition to the heavy rainfall, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced dozens of flight delays as a result of staffing issues related to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Specifically, on October 10, over 190 flight delays—affecting both departures and arrivals—were recorded. The ripple effects of the shutdown continued to influence air travel, even as conditions worsened due to inclement weather. On October 12, delays persisted, compounded by low cloud coverage that further complicated flying conditions.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs took a moment on October 12 to honor the late firefighter EMT Glenn Collins by ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff following his tragic motorcycle accident. In entertainment news, Kid Rock has stepped in to replace Cody Johnson at the Hondo Rodeo Fest after Johnson withdrew due to health complications arising from emergency surgery.
Though the rainfall has temporarily subsided, flood watches remain in effect as forecasters predict additional rainfall could lead to further flash flooding, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas, which are already saturated from the storm. Residents are advised to exercise caution as scattered showers are expected to continue throughout the region, exacerbating the risk of flooding and making travel hazardous.
With ongoing government shutdown implications and severe weather, Arizona’s residents are navigating a complex situation where safety and accessibility are at the forefront of concerns. As officials continue to monitor rainfall and flooding, the state prepares for more potential downpours, urging caution to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Central: Rain & Flood Risk
- Google Search: Arizona Weather
- KTAR: Rainfall Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona Weather
- Weather.com: Tropical Flood Phoenix
- Google News: Phoenix Flooding
- 12 News: Record-Breaking Rainfall
- Google Scholar: Arizona Rainfall Records
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.
