Severe Thunderstorm Warning Spurs Travel Chaos and Flooding Risks in Phoenix Area

The Phoenix area experienced a period of intense weather activity on Wednesday night, marked by severe thunderstorms and resulting flash flooding. The National Weather Service issued a series of severe thunderstorm warnings applicable to various parts of the East Valley, including Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert, with these advisories active until slightly before 10 p.m. As the night unfolded, multiple regions encountered powerful winds and heavy rainfall, with reports of nearly an inch of rain in parts of Tempe and western Mesa. Chandler also observed substantial rainfall of 0.59 inches during this period.

In tandem with the thunderstorm warnings, dust storm warnings were also issued due to a substantial cloud of dust that began rolling through the area around 8 p.m., significantly reducing visibility down to one mile in parts of Phoenix. These dust storm warnings were pertinent to major transportation routes such as Interstates 10, 17, and the US-60 near Phoenix and Mesa. This created hazardous driving conditions, prompting the National Weather Service to caution motorists about the extreme weather and impaired visibility.

Flash flood warnings were another critical concern throughout the night, particularly in regions like Tempe and Guadalupe, with these advisories running until close to 11 p.m. Authorities emphasized the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas and near water bodies, where rising waters posed potential dangers. Motorists were advised to avoid driving through flooded regions, given the imminent risk of becoming stranded in rapidly rising waters.

Throughout the Valley, as residents grappled with the severe weather conditions, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reported minimal delays, and there were localized power outages affecting a few thousand customers served by APS and SRP. Despite these disruptions, the city's infrastructure continued to function amid the challenges posed by the severe weather.

Wednesday's weather disturbances were exacerbated by the approach of Hurricane Lorena, situated along the west coast of the Baja Peninsula. While Lorena was predicted to weaken as it moved north towards cooler waters, its presence fueled an influx of monsoon moisture into Arizona. This surge resulted in an increased potential for further flash flooding in Phoenix and its surrounding areas over the coming days. Analysts predict a continued risk of heavy rainfall, prompting the issuance of a Flood Watch that extends from noon Thursday through midnight, covering central and southeast Arizona.

To mitigate risks, residents were advised to remain informed about the evolving weather conditions through local news and official advisories while preparing for possible continued severe weather. The National Weather Service maintained its call for caution, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening situations due to further rain and severe weather warnings in the forecast for the coming days.