News Summary
Waymo has temporarily halted its self-driving rideshare service in Phoenix due to heavy rain and severe flash flooding. The inclement weather caused some of its autonomous SUVs to be trapped in floodwaters, prompting delays. While the company works with local officials to resolve the situation, the impact on riders, along with traffic disruptions, remains significant as residents navigate the aftermath of these hazardous conditions.
Phoenix – Waymo has temporarily suspended its self-driving rideshare service in the Phoenix Valley on Friday due to heavy rain and severe flash flooding. As a result of the inclement weather, the company has warned users of potential delays after service resumes. The stormy conditions led to instances of Waymo autonomous SUVs being trapped in floodwaters, particularly in central Phoenix, causing additional disruptions to the service.
Social media reports included images of Waymo vehicles lodged in standing water, with the company indicating that it is actively working to remove these affected vehicles from the roadways. A spokesperson mentioned that Waymo is coordinating efforts with local officials to assist riders and manage the situation concerning the stranded cars. However, the exact number of trapped Waymo vehicles and the passengers impacted remain unclear at this time.
The severe weather has also caused major disruptions in the Phoenix area, leading to significant delays in traffic, including at Sky Harbor Airport. The National Weather Service had issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for the region, with reports of rain rates reaching approximately 0.75 to 1.00 inches per hour, creating hazardous conditions across various neighborhoods and washes.
In addition to the issues facing Waymo, the Phoenix Fire Department has responded to multiple water rescues due to flooding across the region. Footage from viewers displayed several Waymo vehicles stuck in flooded areas, with a notable incident occurring near the intersection of 16th Street and Glendale Avenue. Earlier in the day, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued as storm activity intensified throughout the Valley.
The weather conditions have had a profound impact on local events, including the closure of the Arizona State Fair on Friday. Furthermore, both Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) reported various power outages in multiple locations, including Sun City, Buckeye, Peoria, and Scottsdale.
The ongoing weather situation has prompted widespread concern among residents and prompted way on traffic patterns and emergency responses across the metropolitan area. With Waymo’s service disrupted, and hazardous conditions affecting transportation, safety remains a priority as the community navigates these challenging circumstances.
As residents of Phoenix and the surrounding areas deal with the aftermath of the severe weather, local officials urge caution and preparedness for any further developments. The city is working to restore normalcy while ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Waymo Suspends Service
- ABC15: Waymo Temporarily Suspends Operations
- KTAR: Waymo Paused Due to Flash Flooding
- AZ Central: Metro Phoenix Weather Blog
- AZ Family: Riders Stuck in Waymo Cars
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- Google Search: Waymo Service Disruptions Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waymo
- Google News: Phoenix Flash Flooding
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.
