News Summary
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms, resulting in heavy rainfall, hail, and hazardous conditions across the metro area. Rainfall reached 1.64 inches at Phoenix Sky Harbor, marking one of the heaviest downpours in recent years. Flash flood warnings were issued, leading to road closures and flight delays at the airport. The storm caused significant disruptions, including power outages affecting over 16,000 customers, prompting officials to advise residents to stay safe and avoid flooded areas.
Phoenix experienced severe thunderstorms on September 26, causing heavy rain, hail, and resultant hazards across the area. Rainfall at Phoenix Sky Harbor reached 1.64 inches, marking the heaviest downpour in a single day since 2018, and tying for the fourth wettest day since 2000. In various parts of the metro area, including central Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tempe, over 2 inches of rain were recorded, while some gauges in Fountain Hills exceeded 3 inches.
The National Weather Service issued life-threatening flash flood warnings for parts of Maricopa County, with alerts active until 7 p.m. Numerous roadways faced closures due to flooding, particularly affecting the interchange between I-17 and I-10 near the airport, which suffered from mud and debris blockage. As a result, many travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport encountered weather-related delays, and a ground stop advisory was implemented, leading to the diversion of 15 flights to Tucson International Airport.
Authorities reported that the PHX Sky Train temporarily halted operations between Terminal 3 and the Rental Car Center, providing buses for passengers who were stranded due to the disruption. The Arizona Fire and Medical Authority responded to multiple water rescues, including one incident involving an individual trapped in a wash in Wittmann.
Some areas experienced hail up to 1.5 inches, alongside frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Power outages struck over 16,000 customers in the greater Phoenix area, with SRP and APS reporting significant disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration forewarned average flight delays of up to 75 minutes for arrivals at Phoenix due to the adverse weather.
The storm resulted from an unusually strong low-pressure system located off the coast of Southern California, impacting the region’s weather pattern. In southeastern Arizona, a flood watch was issued and expected to remain active through the evening.
Additionally, Waymo announced a temporary suspension of its autonomous vehicle service due to the hazardous conditions inflicted by flooding. Road conditions became critical, prompting officials to advise motorists to steer clear of flooded areas. The National Weather Service encouraged residents to “turn around, don’t drown” and remain indoors due to the unpredictable nature of flash floods.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts predict cooler temperatures with highs ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s, as well as ongoing chances for rain throughout the weekend. By the conclusion of the day, rainfall accumulation in various regions had already exceeded total monsoon season rainfall prior to the onset of the storms.
As Phoenix continues to assess the impact of these severe weather conditions, residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety measures while navigating the flooded landscape.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- ABC 15
- Google Search: Phoenix weather September 2025
- AZ Family
- Google Scholar: Phoenix weather severe storms
- 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather in Phoenix
- KTAR News
- Google News: Phoenix thunderstorms September 2025
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.
