Severe storms push through Valley, ground flights at Sky Harbor Airport

Severe weather rolled through parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area Thursday afternoon, prompting a ground stop for flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as strong winds and rain threatened the region.

Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms began popping up across Maricopa, Pinal and Yuma counties early Thursday afternoon, bringing brief downpours and gusty conditions to the Valley, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

By 5:10 p.m., radar showed stronger, potentially severe storms pushing into the Southwest Valley near Avondale and Tolleson. Forecasters warned that winds were the primary threat associated with the storm as it moved east.

The incoming storm system impacted air travel across the Valley, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to initiate a ground stop for incoming and outgoing flights at Sky Harbor. Ground stops are typically implemented when low visibility, high wind gusts or nearby lightning make landings and departures unsafe.

Travelers with flights scheduled Thursday evening should check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

Weather officials originally put chances for rain in the Phoenix metro area around 20% to 30% for Thursday evening, with localized wind gusts posing the main hazard as the system pushes through the Valley floor.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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