Storm system brings rain to Phoenix, flash flood warning issued in Maricopa County

PHOENIX — The year started off wet and cold as a strong storm system made its way across Phoenix on Sunday.

Much of the Valley recorded over a quarter of an inch of rain by 7:30 p.m., while the East Valley had higher amounts of rainfall.

Rain gauges in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek recorded more than half an inch of rain, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. The National Weather Service Phoenix advised residents in the East Valley to seek shelter amid thunderstorms with hail through 8:15 p.m. Sunday night.

Phoenix’s 0.38 inches of rain through 6:30 p.m. set a new daily record for Jan. 1, according to NWS.

A flash flood warning was issued for Maricopa and Pinal counties at 5:35 p.m. until 9:45 p.m. by NWS Phoenix. Heavy rainfall near Tortilla Flat resulted in a three-foot rise of Fish Creek in the area.

Flash Flood Warning including Tortilla Flat AZ until 9:45 PM MST pic.twitter.com/RQpbqOmEz1

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 2, 2023

Just west of Maricopa, the westbound lanes on State Route 238 at milepost 42 closed due to flooding, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

In the West Valley by Westgate Entertainment District, nearly 900 people were without power, according to SRP. The cause of the outage is under investigation.

More rain is expected to come, potentially bringing in gusty winds that could reach up to 30 mph.

A strong weather system & cold front will move east across the County today bringing gusty winds, colder temperatures, valley rain/mtn snow w/bouts of heavier rain #azwx See all the forecast details here: https://t.co/QHKPlzusKS pic.twitter.com/UpS8eXodB3

— The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (@FCDFloodInfo) January 1, 2023

Rain chances in Phoenix continue into the week with a 30% likelihood of precipitation on Monday morning and in the evening.

Meanwhile, a winter storm advisory is in effect in Flagstaff until 8 a.m. Monday, as the area could see a total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.

Rain showers were forecast to turn into snow after 1 p.m., with the possibility of patchy blowing dust after 3 p.m. Wind gusts could reach up to 34 mph, according to NWS.

There were also a few highway closures north of Phoenix due to winter weather conditions.

Northbound Interstate 17 near State Route 179, eastbound State Route 260 at milepost 256, eastbound Interstate 40 at milepost 146, westbound Interstate 40 at milepost 252 in Winslow, southbound State Route 87 at milepost 240 near Winslow and State Route 64 near the Grand Canyon (between milepost 242-269) were all closed, ADOT said.

Chances for snow showers in Flagstaff begin strong at the start of the week before dimming down Wednesday through Friday.

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