Thunderstorms develop in the Valley causing ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Thunderstorms made their way into the Valley on Wednesday evening as a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for areas east of the Phoenix metro through Thursday.

The National Weather Service for Phoenix’s said that strong, scattered storms with heavy rainfall and strong winds were moving through the Valley.

“They’re moving from the southwest to the northeast. They’re very spotty and anybody can get it,” NWS meteorologist Jeral Estupinan told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “It doesn’t mean everyone is going to see rain because they are spotty. But if you are under one of these thunderstorms and it is a strong one, you could see very heavy rain, dangerous winds and very dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.”

NWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe, advising residents to expect up to 60 mph winds and the possibility of pea- and penny-sized hail.

The thunderstorms prompted a ground stop to be put in place for departures at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport until 8 p.m. The airport’s website showed 63 flights being delayed as of 7:30 p.m.

Estupinan explained that for the most part the thunderstorms are going to be spotty but noted that outflows — the winds from the storms — could cause them to combine and become more organized.

“Any one of these storms can produce anywhere between 1 to 2 inches. And it could be higher amounts very localized, but in general, maybe 1 to 2 inches,” Estupinan said regarding moisture amounts.

Earlier in the day, the weather authority said that Wednesday’s thunderstorms were capable of bringing heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the foothills east of Phoenix until 6 a.m. Thursday.

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