Monsoon storm brings heavy rainfall, flooding to the Valley

PHOENIX — A monsoon storm swept through the Valley on Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to some areas.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued just after 5 p.m. for central Phoenix and expired at 5:45 p.m. for the storm that was expected to bring 60 mph winds and penny-sized hail.

A flash flood warning was later issued just after 5:30 p.m. for the area until 9 p.m.

In just an hour span, 0.63 inches of rain fell in central Phoenix, according to Maricopa County Flood Control District rain gauges.

A lot of rain falling in Phoenix. @KTAR923 #AZWX #monsoon pic.twitter.com/RQkPIApDo2

— Torrence Dunham (@TaDunham) August 12, 2021

Storms continue moving across the valley; right now certain areas on the L-101 (Pima) are getting hit. Please be aware of wet pavement and gusty winds … and be prepared to slow down or stop.#azwx #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/SS5BoRv4DH

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 12, 2021

The storm then moved east toward Scottsdale and dropped 0.83 inches of rain near Talking Stick Resort and resulted in another severe thunderstorm warning being issued just after 6:15 p.m. for parts of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Mesa until 7 p.m., and a flash flood warning being issued until 10:45 p.m. for Scottsdale.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Mesa AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Tempe AZ until 7:00 PM MST pic.twitter.com/Rj0TSYZqN8

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 12, 2021

Meanwhile, another storm south of the Valley caused a dust storm warning to be issued for Maricopa, Queen Creek and parts of Chandler until 7 p.m.

A dust storm warning is in effect until 7:00 PM MST for I-10 near Casa Grande, AZ; I-10 near Eloy, AZ and I-10 near Phoenix–Mesa, AZ. pic.twitter.com/kjbm1wMnF9

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 12, 2021

After a week of temperatures hovering around 110 degrees, rain returned to the Valley this week.

Storms so far this week in the East Valley have dropped more than 2 inches of rain, while areas south of Phoenix have received nearly an inch.

More rain could be on the way later this week for the metro Phoenix area with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms from Thursday through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Whoa….. Double Rainbow….. pic.twitter.com/JoNXD91oDX

— Detour Dan (@DetourDanKTAR) August 12, 2021

Drivers are advised not to cross a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep because a few inches of running water could still pose a serious risk.

The Arizona Department of Transportation also warns people to not drive around road-closed signs as it is not only a risk but violators could be cited under state law.

People are advised to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance between vehicles during storms, avoid sudden braking that can cause sliding on wet pavement as well as reducing speed by slowly taking your foot off the gas pedal and braking slowly.

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