Monsoon rains flood parts of Flagstaff, high heat to return to Phoenix area
Jul 16, 2018, 7:29 AM | Updated: 9:42 am
(Twitter Photo/@Woke49erGirl)
PHOENIX — Rain from monsoon storms overwhelmed parts of Flagstaff on Sunday and there was a possibility of more flooding on Monday.
Between 1½ and 2½ inches of rain fell in about an hour, the Weather Channel reported, trapping vehicles on roads and blowing out power to traffic lights.
A flash flood warning went into effect that lasted through the evening. The downpour swelled the banks of the Agua Fria River and prompted a flash flood warning in Black Canyon City, less than 13 miles from the Maricopa County line.
The Red Cross opened a shelter at Sinagua Middle School and drivers on State Route 89A also faced weather-related delays.
Southside #Flagstaff pic.twitter.com/wgRWDY5Av2
— KAFF News (@kaffnews) July 15, 2018
More flooding south of San Francisco and Route 66 #Azwx #Flagstaff #AzMonsoon #StormChaser @NWSFlagstaff @FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/yOj1kTutE3
— Christina Cantu 🇺🇸 (@Woke49erGirl) July 15, 2018
Flash flooding causes difficult conditions in Flagstaff https://t.co/vIxAc5IinZ
— Arizona Daily Sun (@azds) July 15, 2018
There was a chance more flooding would hit the area.
Monsoon moisture is keeping storm chances around through at least the first half of the week.
Storms could produce heavy rain and flash flooding today, especially in rain-soaked areas along the Rim.
Stay alert and remember, Turn Around, Don't Drown #azwx #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/mdDZ1vnhhz
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) July 16, 2018
Deep monsoon moisture will be in place today with an elevated flash flood threat during the afternoon and early evening. #azwx pic.twitter.com/KJdoqRIfyy
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) July 16, 2018
Down the road Monday, light rain fell on Phoenix during the early commuter rush hours. There was a possibility of thunderstorms in the evening, the National Weather Service said.
The high in the state’s capital was expected to reach 104 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures will climb as the week goes on — by Saturday it could be as hot as 109 degrees; Sunday might be 112 degrees.
Last week, the Valley had three straight days of monsoon storms.
The Associated press contributed to this report.