East Valley, Phoenix hit by more rain, thunderstorms as monsoon season continues
Sep 26, 2021, 9:58 AM | Updated: 3:19 pm
(ADOT freeway camera)
PHOENIX — More rain fell across the East Valley and parts of the Phoenix metro area Sunday morning, continuing one of the better monsoon seasons in Arizona’s recent history.
Most light showers passed east of Phoenix, with as much as .67 inches of rain falling in Mesa and .24 inches in Gilbert by 3 p.m., according to the Maricopa County Flood Control District rain gauges.
Areas in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills saw as much as .31 inches, while Cave Creek picked up .55 inches of rain.
Parts of Chandler and Tempe saw .16 inches of rain, with Phoenix receiving .12 inches.
2:15 PM Update: Continue to see light to moderate showers across the Valley area this afternoon while thunderstorms remain across southeast AZ. Light rainfall amounts are expected to continue, though some areas could see brief locally heavy rainfall. #azwx pic.twitter.com/q4ZKdlCTXv
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 26, 2021
Rain gauges in Glendale also recorded .16 inches
Wet weather is expected to continue throughout the day, with an increase in chances of thunderstorms and rain leading into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Weather officials also said mostly sunny weather is in the forecast Monday after 11 a.m. with a high of around 87 degrees.
This monsoon season, which starts annually on June 15 and ends Sept. 30, has documented nearly 4 inches of rain, marking it the second-best since record keeping began in 1896, according to ABC15’s Jorge Torres.
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.