Severe thunderstorms expected in the Valley through Tuesday morning

PHOENIX — It looks like Mother Nature is making her first fall appearance in the Valley.

Heavy rain began to fall early Monday morning, mostly in the south and southeast parts of the Valley.

Storms moved more north throughout the day. A tornado warning was issued until 12:45 p.m. for the Cave Creek, Carefree and Camp Creek areas.

Tornado Warning including Cave Creek AZ, Carefree AZ, Camp Creek AZ until 12:45 PM MST pic.twitter.com/M5BDw2fuIE

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Tempe until 5:30 p.m.

Flash Flood Warning including Tempe AZ until 5:30 PM MST pic.twitter.com/fRhpqEbcvm

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019

In response to the rainfall, Salt River Project said it was releasing water into the normally dry Salt River from the Stewart Mountain and Granite Reef dams, which could produce dangerous conditions at flooded crossings in the Valley.

The water was expected to reach the Salt River crossings at Gilbert and McKellips road this afternoon and result in road closures before evening rush hour, SRP said in a press release.

Thunderstorms were expected to come in waves, with the brunt coming Monday afternoon and lasting throughout the night with possible damaging winds up to 60 mph, hail one inch in diameter, 1-3 inches of rain and weak, isolated tornadoes.

Tornado Warning including Cave Creek AZ, Carefree AZ, Camp Creek AZ until 12:45 PM MST pic.twitter.com/M5BDw2fuIE

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019

“These are not your typical monsoon storms even though we’re at the very tail end of the monsoon period,” National Weather Service forecaster Chris Breckenridge told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

“We could be seeing some hail that’s one inch in diameter, maybe even larger than that, strong winds that could be damaging over 60 mph. … It’s certainly one of the more potent weather situations and setups that we’ve seen in the last several years. We usually don’t get the lows like this this time of year.”

In Mesa, all northbound traffic was closed on Crismon Road between Baseline Road and Southern Avenue due to flooding, the Mesa Police Department said in a tweet.

State Route 88 was closed in both directions near Roosevelt Lake due to flooding and cleanup work, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the areas in yellow. What this means is that conditions for severe weather are favorable! #azwx https://t.co/I30zYO3qaQ

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019

NOW: Roads FLOODED in SE Valley. In just minutes we’ve seen Delaware Drive, near Southern, get completely flooded out. Sedan is still stuck in road but people inside got out. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/LIU9iS46R0

— John Genovese (@JEGenovese) September 23, 2019

Wow!! Water has flooded Signal Butte near Broadway in Apache Junction. ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/LiCK8DOMoU

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) September 23, 2019

MORE FLOODING- This is on Meridian and E Apache Trail in Apache Junction. @abc15 #abc15 pic.twitter.com/NhZJUWHD9D

— Claudia Rupcich (@ClaudiaRupcich) September 23, 2019

WOW. This gas station awning COLLAPSED at Signal Butte & Apache Trail in #ApacheJunction @abc15 pic.twitter.com/KVHRY5gtdg

— John Genovese (@JEGenovese) September 23, 2019

After several feet of water flooded the lot at Main Street RV near Signal Butte & Apache Trail, this employee decided to go kayaking #ApacheJunction @abc15 pic.twitter.com/ZcO2W8BYtt

— John Genovese (@JEGenovese) September 23, 2019

🛶Some people are taking advantage of the Valley storms and flooding by kayaking. Stay safe!

WEATHER UPDATES: https://t.co/NrwWZixCvP#Kayak #Weather #ApacheJunction #Phoenix #Valley #Storms #Flooding #FlashFlood #News #Arizona #abc15 #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/ZJlA3IJDAW

— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) September 23, 2019

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