Metro Phoenix area hit by rain storm as wet monsoon season continues

PHOENIX — Rain once again fell in the Valley on Wednesday afternoon, continuing one of the better monsoon seasons in the state’s recent history.

As much as 0.98 inches of rain had fallen in parts of the northeast Valley around 7:30 p.m., according to the Maricopa County Flood Control District rain gauges, with areas north of Cave Creek getting upwards of 3 inches.

Areas in Phoenix got up to 0.87 inches of rain.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for areas that included Peoria and Glendale for the storm that had a possibility of large hail and winds upward of 60 mph.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Glendale AZ, Peoria AZ, Sun City AZ until 1:45 PM MST pic.twitter.com/IsehttgmT9

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 18, 2021

Rain chances are expected to dissipate as the evening goes on before drying out with temperatures rising back above triple digits for the rest of the week and heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Nearly all of the Valley over the past seven days has received more than 2 inches of rain.

Last week alone surpasses the past two years of rainfall combined after the Valley recorded 1 inch of rain in 2020 and .66 inches of rain in 2019.

It’s raining again across the Valley! Have photos or videos of the storm? Send our way. #AZWX pic.twitter.com/92ivGVXTcG

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) August 18, 2021

Prior to the storm, the Valley had recorded 3.29 inches of rain since June 15, marking this monsoon season the third-wettest since 2000.

Heavy rain is causing flooding on Greenway, under I-17. Please avoid the area.

Check your route before heading out with the AZ 511 & ADOT Alerts apps: https://t.co/MxTvyyEdpM#PhxTraffic pic.twitter.com/ZP5FHAQ9ka

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 18, 2021

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

The Arizona Department of Transportation also warns people to not drive around road-closed signs as it is not only a risk but 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 reducing speed by slowly taking your foot off the gas pedal and braking slowly.

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