More rain in Phoenix area could make rush hours ‘problematic’

PHOENIX – Slick roads awaited morning commuters in metro Phoenix on Wednesday and even slicker roads were expected for afternoon drivers as another round of scattered rain headed in.

As a system from a day earlier moved out, a second from the west made its way to the Valley, starting with showers late in the morning. After that, though:

“The afternoon rush could be quite problematic with the combination of these showers and thunderstorms … and the strong winds,” Phoenix meteorologist Marvin Percha told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“You’re going to have flooding (on) the roadways, visibility issues and the general kind of chaos we get when it rains, anyway,” the National Weather Service spokesman said.

But the flooding started early. Some roads were already overwhelmed by water before 8:30 a.m.

NOW: The Greenway underpass at I-17 is closed due to flooding. #phxtraffic pic.twitter.com/e8aQxjR1sH

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 20, 2019

There is flooding on Thunderbird at I-17 as well. pic.twitter.com/YxXVHghpWT

— Detour Dan (@DetourDanKTAR) November 20, 2019

Some locations are seeing minor street flooding with the heavy rain. Please be careful out there and avoid driving through flooded roadways! #azwx https://t.co/BGqsAmnAMS

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) November 20, 2019

Flash flood warnings were issued for Avondale, Cave Creek, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria and Surprise.

Rainfall and the possibility of hail was expected to last into the evening and through Thursday.

When Mother Nature beats you to taking out the trash!!

Lots of reports of street flooding in and around Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday morning. Stay safe everyone, and remember to never drive through flooded areas! #azwx pic.twitter.com/D7y8KbWtVd

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) November 20, 2019

Morning storms left more than a half-inch rain in Litchfield Park but only 0.08 inches in Surprise.

A storm Tuesday spread across the Valley, leaving some areas only damp while others received more than their fair share, particularly in the East Valley.

(Flood Control District of Maricopa County)

“Most areas that saw greater than half an inch are across the East Valley,” weather bureau meteorologist Chris Kuhlman told KTAR News.

Gauges in Gold Canyon and Queen Creek measured 2.50 inches and 1.42 inches while part of Glendale took in 0.12 inches. Phoenix and Goodyear landed 0.24 inches.

Heavier coats, umbrellas, and closed-toed shoes recommended for today 🙂 #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/uYM6DqEZdx

— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) November 20, 2019

“Some of these storms will be heavy rain, (we) could see a quick quarter to one-half inch, but if you get several of those in a row, you’ll easily see an inch of rain,” Kuhlman said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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