News Summary
A powerful late-season monsoon storm has caused widespread disturbances in the Phoenix metro area, including heavy rainfall, large hail, and significant power outages. Flash flooding has been reported throughout the Valley, disrupting daily activities and prompting safety warnings from local officials. Some areas saw over two inches of rain, leading to cancellations of events and park closures. As the storm continues, residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
Phoenix – A powerful late-season monsoon storm struck the Phoenix metro area on Friday, resulting in widespread disturbances including heavy rainfall, large hail, and power outages. The storm has led to flash flooding in various locations throughout the Valley, causing officials to issue warnings and safety tips for residents.
Thunderstorm activity was reported across the region, with hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler. Power utility companies reported numerous outages: Arizona Public Service (APS) noted nine outages affecting nearly 2,800 customers, while Salt River Project (SRP) recorded 18 outages across areas from Downtown Phoenix to the Queen Creek/San Tan Valley.
Heavy rainfall caused significant impacts, with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recording 1.64 inches of rain, marking the highest single-day total since 2018 and tying for the fourth wettest day in Phoenix since 2000. East Valley locations such as Tempe, Scottsdale, and Mesa received over 2 inches of rain, while many areas in the Valley experienced rainfall totals between half an inch to an inch throughout the day.
As a result of the severe weather, the Arizona State Fair canceled its operations for the day. Additionally, Pinnacle Peak Park, all city dog parks, and sports fields in Scottsdale will be closed until Sunday, September 28. Arizona State University has also canceled Sparky’s Tailgate, although the Sun Devils’ game against TCU is still set to go ahead.
The storm caused turbulence for air travel as well. A ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor lasted until 4:30 p.m., with American Airlines resuming operations until 6 p.m. A total of ten flights were diverted to other airports including Los Angeles, Albuquerque, El Paso, Salt Lake City, and Denver.
According to forecasts, continued showers and storms are expected overnight in eastern Arizona, while Phoenix is projected to see a break in activity. A First Alert Weather Day was declared for Friday because more rain is on the horizon, with decreased chances in Phoenix from 60% on Friday to 30% on Saturday. The potential for heaviest rainfall remains in southwestern Arizona, with isolated to scattered showers possible in metro Phoenix on Saturday.
Additionally, temperatures are expected to be below normal, with highs in the upper 80s this weekend and lower 90s by Sunday. Overnight lows will dip into the lower 70s and upper 60s. A flood watch is currently in effect for southeastern Arizona, including the Tucson area, until 8 p.m. the following day.
Local authorities, including the American Red Cross and Glendale Fire Department, have issued safety tips for residents regarding heavy rain and flooding, advising caution and preparedness. The Arizona Department of Transportation has also provided guidance for driving in extreme weather conditions.
As the storm system continues to evolve, communities should remain vigilant as additional rain and storms are likely in northern and parts of eastern Arizona on Sunday.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Wettest Day in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Arizona weather forecast
- KTAR: Monsoon Season Forecast
- Google Scholar: Monsoon Weather Effects
- AZ Family: Ground Stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Monsoon Storms
- AZ Family: Events Impacted by Monsoon Storm
- Google News: Phoenix Weather Events
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.
