Almost 200 flights delayed at Sky Harbor Airport as hail, possible tornado threaten Valley

Storms disrupted travel at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday, as a severe thunderstorm watch brought the risk of hail and a possible tornado.

As of noon, 193 flights were delayed, according to the airport’s website. This was down from 218 delays at 8:45 a.m.

Flights headed to Sky Harbor were delayed by an average of 39 minutes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Separately, a runway change caused departing flights at Sky Harbor to experience gate and taxi delays of 16 to 30 minutes, with delays increasing.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix warned of potential wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to 2 inches in diameter and heavy rainfall.

More showers are expected through Thursday afternoon, with the highest risk of severe storms east of Phoenix. A flash flood watch is also in effect for most of the Phoenix area through 5 p.m.

Related

Tornado warning covers Red Rock State Park, other areas near SedonaAfter possible tornado strike, lawmaker calls on Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare state of emergencyPhoenix under severe thunderstorm watch with potential hail; eastern Arizona faces tornado riskSuspected tornado injures 1, damages up to 30 buildings in Heber-Overgaard areaValley storm brought threat of destructive baseball-sized hailSignificant damage, minor injuries reported in Overgaard after Wednesday’s storms