Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of Arizona until 9 p.m. Wednesday

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Arizona until 9 p.m. Wednesday, as a strong storm system brings rounds of storms to central and eastern Arizona.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix said storms could become severe, with large hail and damaging winds as the main threats. Storms are most likely north and east of the Phoenix area this evening.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Arizona until 9 PM MST https://t.co/PRk1FUQqXJ

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) October 21, 2026

Northern Arizona is also under a rare tornado watch until 6 p.m., covering Mohave, Coconino, Yavapai and Navajo counties. It is the state’s first tornado watch since 2010. Several tornado warnings were issued Wednesday morning, but none led to a confirmed tornado as of 1 p.m.

In the Valley, a supercell storm dropped hail larger than an inch across parts of the East Valley on Tuesday night.

Heavier rain is expected overnight into Thursday morning, with some areas getting more than an inch. Most of the Phoenix area is under a flood watch until 5 p.m. Thursday, including Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and Buckeye.

A second watch, through 11 p.m. Thursday, covers Globe-Miami, Superior, Tonto Basin and the Superstition Mountains.

Drier, cooler weather arrives Friday, with Valley highs struggling to reach 80 degrees this weekend.

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