Storms produce widespread rainfall across metro Phoenix, flooding some roadways

PHOENIX – Storms moved through metro Phoenix on Tuesday morning, kicking off what is expected to be a wet and chilly stretch across the area.

The early rainfall left some roadways wet during the morning commute and caused flooding in the far West Valley.

The initial activity subsided by 9 a.m., but not before precipitation had been detected at weather stations across most of the Phoenix area. (Click here for coverage of storm activity from later Tuesday.)

Western Maricopa County, which was under a flood advisory until 8 a.m., was hit hardest, with over an inch falling in some parts.

The following far West Valley intersections were closed due to flooding in the aftermath of the morning storm activity, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office:

• Salome Highway and 339th Avenue
• Wintersburg and Indian School roads
• 214th Avenue and Narramore Road

Wintersburg Road was covered by an estimated 3-4 feet of water between Indian School and Osborn Roads, according to NWS.

Meanwhile, the East Valley totals ranged mostly from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. The central Phoenix activity was lighter, with under 0.1 inches in most of the city.

However, Phoenix broke a monthlong drought when Sky Harbor International Airport, which the NWS uses for the city’s official readings, registered 0.03 inches just after 7 a.m.

It was Phoenix’s first measurable precipitation since nearly a quarter of an inch came down on Oct. 13, capping a disruptive five-day Valleywide rain event.

Storm system could remain active at least through Wednesday

The current storm system is expected to produce on-and-off rain across the Valley at least through Wednesday and perhaps into Thursday morning.

Friday is the only day until early next week with no chance for showers in the latest NWS forecast. However, the chance is only 20-30% for Saturday and Sunday.

Temperature-wise, the forecast calls for highs in the low 70s on Tuesday and low to middle 60s Wednesday-Friday.

Phoenix hasn’t seen a daily high in the 60s since April 2. The mid-60s would be about 10 degrees below normal for the third week of November.

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