News Summary

Severe flash flooding in the Phoenix area has resulted in at least four fatalities and triggered an emergency declaration by Gila County officials. Heavy rain led to substantial impacts across Maricopa County, with life-threatening conditions in urban areas and highways. High wind gusts also caused property damage. Authorities continue to conduct search and rescue operations while urging residents to stay away from affected areas. The situation is compounded by disrupted infrastructure and ongoing severe weather alerts, making safety measures critical in the region.

Phoenix

Severe flash flooding in the Phoenix area has led to multiple casualties and an emergency declaration by Gila County officials. As of September 27, authorities reported at least four fatalities attributed to the extreme weather conditions that swept through the region.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued flash flood warnings for the Phoenix area until 10:15 p.m. on September 27, alongside thunderstorm warnings that remained in effect. By 8:58 p.m., gauge reports indicated high flows and flooding conditions, particularly in Indian Bend Wash. Following closely, Sonoran Wash also reported flooding impacts, although no additional rainfall was anticipated at that time.

Heavy rain continued to pose a risk across Maricopa County, prompting the NWS to issue a warning until 10:15 p.m. MST. Rainfall amounts ranged between 0.5 and 1 inch, with the potential for an additional 0.5 to 1 inch. Life-threatening flash flooding was prevalent in creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, with locations such as Phoenix, Scottsdale, New River, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Desert Mountain listed as being in danger.

Severe thunderstorms earlier in the evening produced wind gusts of up to 60 mph, leading to property damage, including roofs and trees. The NWS reported that the rainfall recorded on this day marked the highest single-day rainfall in seven years for Phoenix, with totals reaching approximately 1.64 inches. Various affected areas reported hazardous conditions, including damaged buildings and hazardous materials like propane tanks scattered across roadways.

The situation in Gila County, particularly around Globe and Miami, prompted local officials to declare a state of emergency. Emergency response teams promptly engaged in search and rescue operations as floodwaters began to recede. The Arizona National Guard was deployed to support these efforts.

Infrastructure throughout the region has been severely impacted, with road closures affecting commuters and delays reported at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to severe weather conditions. Additionally, Waymo suspended its operations, as several vehicles were trapped in washouts across the metropolitan area.

Local officials are coordinating with federal agencies for aid and disaster response as the crisis unfolds. Governor Katie Hobbs highlighted the critical need for safety, urging residents to avoid flood-affected areas. The NWS has continued to issue severe weather alerts as conditions remain unstable with the possibility of more rain and storms.

Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. With search and rescue operations ongoing, communities are urged to prepare for further impacts related to this unprecedented weather event.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Globe, Arizona Faces Catastrophic Flooding After Heavy Rainfall
Phoenix Experiences Severe Monsoon Storms Leading to Flash Flooding and State of Emergency
St. Louis Proposes Significant School Closures Amidst Challenges
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Significant Flooding in Phoenix
Severe Flash Flooding Disrupts Phoenix Valley
Severe Monsoon Storm Impacts Phoenix Metro Area
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Phoenix, Causing Major Disruptions
Waymo Suspends Rideshare Service Due to Severe Flooding in Phoenix
Severe Thunderstorms Trigger Flash Flooding in Phoenix
Severe Monsoon Storms Disrupt Events in Phoenix

Additional Resources

• AZCentral: Phoenix Weather Blog
• Wikipedia: Flash Flood
• NBC News: Arizona Flooding Fatalities
• Google Search: Arizona flooding 2025
• Fox Weather: Arizona Weather Alert
• Google Scholar: Arizona flooding impact
• AZFamily: Waymo Restore Service
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix Weather
• Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Weather Forecast
• Google News: Severe Weather in Phoenix

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.