News Summary
Phoenix faced unprecedented severe thunderstorms and monsoon rains, resulting in flash flooding and significant disruptions. Emergency declarations were made by city and state officials due to hazardous conditions. Residents experienced power outages and damage from large hail and strong winds. Search and rescue operations were launched as safety advisories warned against flooded areas. The storms prompted a state of emergency, affecting local events and services, as officials coordinated efforts to assist impacted residents.
Phoenix Experiences Severe Monsoon Storms Leading to Flash Flooding and State of Emergency
Phoenix has been hit by severe thunderstorms and monsoon rains on September 26, 2025, causing flash flooding in various regions and prompting emergency declarations from state and local officials. The National Weather Service issued flash flood advisories and warnings, urging residents to exercise caution amid hazardous weather conditions.
Rainfall measured at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport reached 1.64 inches, marking the heaviest single-day rainfall since 2018. The total rainfall for the ongoing monsoon season has now accumulated to 2.55 inches, surpassing the average of 2.35 inches for this time of year. Alongside the heavy rains, temperatures in the region dipped to the 70s, with a below-average high of 87 degrees due to the storms.
Approximately 16,300 customers in the Phoenix area experienced power outages, with multiple instances reported by local utility companies, APS and SRP. Large hail was recorded, with stones reaching up to 1.5 inches in diameter, accompanied by strong winds that caused further damage across various neighborhoods.
In response to the flooding impacts, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency, joining the city of Globe, which also announced an emergency declaration. Numerous roadways faced closures, and driving advisories were issued as officials warned residents against navigating flooded areas. Search and rescue operations were launched for individuals trapped in these hazardous conditions, including a reported incident in Maricopa County.
Residents shared videos and images illustrating the severe weather, showing heavy hail and toppled trees as a consequence of the storms. Due to safety concerns related to the weather, the Arizona State Fair announced that events would be canceled. The autonomous vehicle service provided by Waymo was also suspended amid the ongoing flooding.
The storm is expected to affect the Phoenix area into the weekend, with forecasts predicting drier weather will follow in the coming week. Local emergency management officials are actively coordinating a response to assist impacted residents and assess ongoing safety needs throughout the region.
Public safety officials have reiterated the importance of taking shelter during thunderstorms and avoiding flooded roadways. The situation remains dynamic, with continuous monitoring of conditions to ensure the safety of all residents.
Flooding and Safety Measures
The National Weather Service emphasized that safety remains a top priority during such extreme weather events. Local officials strongly advised against driving through flooded roads, as even shallow water can pose serious risks.
As efforts continue to address the aftermath of the storms, Phoenix residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as the weather evolves. Emergency officials are focused on assisting communities affected by the storm and ensuring that necessary resources are available for recovery.
In conclusion, the heavy monsoon rains that struck Phoenix on September 26 have led to significant disruptions and concerns for public safety, prompting authorities to take swift action to manage the situation effectively.
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Phoenix Prepares for Late-Season Monsoon Storms
Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Wettest Day in Phoenix in 7 Years
- AZ Central: Metro Phoenix Weather Blog – September 26, 2025
- KTAR: Monsoon Season Forecast Rain
- Google Search: Phoenix Monsoon Flooding
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
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.
