News Summary
The Phoenix area has been hit by severe flooding and heavy rainfall, resulting in a state of emergency and at least one fatality. With nearly an inch of rain falling in less than an hour, local officials are working on search and rescue efforts for affected residents. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings as the region experienced significant weather conditions, leading to widespread flooding particularly in Gila County. The community is urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity amid ongoing cleanup efforts.
Severe Flooding and Rainfall Hit Phoenix Area, Leading to State of Emergency and Casualties
Phoenix, Arizona, experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall over the weekend, prompting local officials to declare a state of emergency and resulting in at least one fatality. The rainfall was particularly intense, with nearly an inch falling in less than an hour across the Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley areas.
During the 6 p.m. hour on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning as flash flood warnings remained in effect until 10 p.m. The weather conditions were significant enough to keep temperatures in the Phoenix area lower than usual, with a high of only 85 degrees on Saturday.
As a result of the severe precipitation, a man lost his life in Scottsdale after being pinned under a bridge while delivering food. The storms also caused widespread flooding, particularly in Gila County, where Mayor Al Gameros and Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency. Search, rescue, and cleanup efforts are currently ongoing in the region to assist affected residents.
On Friday, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded an impressive 1.64 inches of rain, marking the highest daily rainfall since October 13, 2018. The heavy storms impacted both the east and west Valley, leading to some of the heaviest rainfall experienced in years.
Looking ahead, Sunday is expected to bring a slight warm-up, with temperatures reaching 87 degrees and mostly sunny skies as rain clouds begin to clear. Following the intense rainfall, high temperatures throughout the week are predicted to gradually increase, peaking at 98 degrees on Friday before cooling to 95 degrees on Saturday. Isolated rain and thunderstorms are anticipated in the Valley through the evening; however, they are not expected to be as widespread as previous occurrences.
Weather Outlook
A low-pressure trough is expected to move north of Arizona, which will likely increase southwesterly winds primarily on Friday and bring breezier conditions to the Valley. The forecast for the weekend predicts sunny weather with afternoon highs in the low to mid-90s and evening lows in the 60s.
In the aftermath of the flooding, officials have issued warnings to the public regarding potential post-storm scams. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the wake of the heavy rainfall.
The ongoing situation remains dynamic as authorities assess the damage and work to support communities impacted by the flooding. As drier air moves into the area, conditions are expected to improve, but residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona State University Launches New AI Course
Closure of Wolves Den Parkway Announced
Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on Proposed Closures
Wenden, Arizona Faces Severe Water Crisis
Phoenix Flooding Leads to Water Rescues and Emergency Declaration
Severe Flash Flooding in Phoenix Causes Multiple Fatalities
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
Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Rain in Phoenix and Scottsdale
- Google Search: Phoenix flooding news
- AZFamily: Mild Tuesday, Warmer Days Ahead
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Fox Weather: Arizona and Nevada Weather Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Weather.com: Flash Floods Hit Arizona
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Phoenix
- AZFamily: Phoenix Dealing with Flooding
- Google News: Arizona flooding state of emergency
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.
