Storm passes through Maricopa County, brings rain Friday night

PHOENIX — A storm blew through metro Phoenix on Friday night, bringing heavy rainfall to portions of the East and West Valley.

Almost an inch of rain fell in Chandler and Glendale, while Phoenix got 1.1 inches of rain, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

Most rain gauges in Scottsdale captured no more than two tenths of an inch of rain, while parts of northeast Mesa got anywhere from .04 inches of rain to just over one third of an inch.

The flash flood warning was issued for Maricopa County around 8 p.m. and was set to expire early in the morning on Saturday.

Clusters of scattered thunderstorms continue to work through the valley tonight. Locally heavy rainfall amounts of up to 1 in./h possible as well as very gusty winds. Turn around don’t drown! #azwx pic.twitter.com/6OqjGXQLB5

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 31, 2021

The East Valley's getting hit hard right now; please slow down and avoid sudden braking!#azwx #aztraffic #PHXtraffic pic.twitter.com/gIV2hF9N5g

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 31, 2021

About half an inch of rain was recorded near the airport since midnight, bringing the state’s yearly total to 2.96 inches, according to NWS Phoenix.

The wet roads from the rain also forced a scheduled weekend closure for lane stripping of the eastbound Loop 101 freeway between Tatum Boulevard and Pima Road and Princess Drive in the North Valley. The closure is set to be rescheduled on a future weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

* L-101 EB (PIMA) ROADWORK ALERT *

Due to weather, the scheduled closure of L-101 EB between Tatum Boulevard and Pima Road/Princess Drive (for lane striping) has been canceled.#azwx #aztraffic #PHXTraffic pic.twitter.com/1LaxqUWOuH

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 31, 2021

While chances of more rain remain low throughout the next week, the NWS weather forecast predicts a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday evening and Friday.

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

ADOT also warns people to not drive around road-closed signs as it is not only a risk but a 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 reduce speed by steadily taking one’s foot off the gas pedal and braking slowly.

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