Phoenix area gets another round of weekend monsoon storms; flash flood warnings in effect

Major streets and neighborhoods in West Phoenix have flooded due to heavy rain Sunday afternoon. This photo was taken near 83rd Avenue and Encanto. (Photo: Ramon Garcia)

The Phoenix area experienced more rain, thunder and lightning on Saturday and Sunday as monsoon weather rolled back into the Valley.

Heavy rain caused flooding along major streets across the Valley, with numerous weather advisories issued for the Phoenix metro area.

By Sunday night, the rain cleared out for the most part, but not before setting some new records.

For Phoenix, July 2021 is now the wettest July since 1990, and the wettest month since October 2018.

Watch floods across the Valley

Flash Flood Warnings expire

Heavy rain came down on the West Valley, flooding streets and causing road closures.

On Sunday, flash flood warnings remained in place for most of the day in counties across the state. Check the latest warnings here.

Weather officials say that anywhere from 1"-2.5" of rain fell over the West Valley within 3 hours. This includes Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Surprise and Glendale.

Viewers reported major flooding in streets along west Phoenix, including areas between 56th to 91st Avenue and from Maryland to Thomas Road.

Cars were seen on video driving half-submerged in street water.

Severe flooding was reported in Avondale, Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, and other areas along the western parts of the Valley.

A teenage girl, Faith Moore, 16, went missing after she was washed away in Cottonwood floodwaters.


 

Traffic restrictions

The following areas of Interstate 10 in west Phoenix are restricted due to flooding:

  • The right and center lanes of Interstate 10 westbound at 91st Avenue
  • The right and center lanes of Interstate 10 at 75th Avenue

"PLEASE do not cross into this water to save time," ADOT officials said. "You don't want to stall and get stuck."

In the city of Buckeye, officials are advising residents to avoid the following areas:

  • Dean and Broadway
  • Lower Buckeye between Watson and Rainbow
  • Verrado and Broadway
  • Verrado and Yuma

The days leading up to the weekend also were much cooler than usual because of storm activity.

The low temperature on Sunday was 73 degrees, 12 degrees below the average.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for 13 Arizona counties. The following counties are affected:

  • Mohave from July 24 at 12 p.m. until July 26 at 12 a.m.
  • Gila, Yavapai from July 22 at 11 a.m. until July 26 at 12 a.m.
  • Apache, Coconino, Navajo from July 22 at 12 p.m. until July 26 at 1 a.m.
  • Maricopa, Pinal from July 22 at 5 p.m. until July 26 at 12 a.m.
  • Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Santa Cruz from July 22 at 6 p.m. until July 26 at 12 a.m.

The expected rainfall could cause flash flooding in washes and areas with poor drainage systems. This is particularly an issue in areas with past burn scars from wildfires, which will be "especially prone to flash flooding and debris flow," according to the National Weather Service.

APS is working around the clock to restore power to many who lost it during the storms. Click here for an outage map.

Road Conditions

  • Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
  • az511.com

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

  • Turnaround don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
  • If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
  • Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
  • If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
  • Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
  • If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
  • If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

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