Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were issued for Maricopa County, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, as forecasters warned of dangerous weather conditions Thursday. Forecasters noted the potential for winds up to 60 mph and hail up to about 0.75 inches. Residents were urged to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of buildings.
Key storm activity and impacts
– A severe thunderstorm was tracked over the Glendale Sports Complex near Tolleson, moving slowly with 60 mph wind gusts. Expected damage includes roofs, siding and trees. Affected areas include Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley Airport, Arrowhead Mall and Metro Center. Highways impacted in this zone include Interstate 17 between mile markers 209 and 224, Loop 101 between mile markers 15 and 28, and State Route 74 between mile markers 28 and 30.
– A separate severe thunderstorm was located near New River with 60 mph gusts, affecting New River and the I-17 corridor from mile markers 232 to 239.
– A third severe thunderstorm was tracked over or near Deer Valley Airport, close to Peoria, with the same 60 mph gust potential and impact footprint as the first storm, including Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley Airport, Arrowhead Mall and Metro Center, with the same highway impacts on I-17, Loop 101 and SR 74.
– An earlier storm warning covered Surprise, New River, Lake Pleasant, Pipeline Canyon Trailhead, Cottonwood Day Use Area, Castle Creek Boat Ramp, Vistancia and Anthem.
Flash flood warning
– A flash flood warning was in effect for Maricopa County through 1 a.m. At 10:18 p.m., trained weather spotters reported flooding along Interstate 17 and Happy Valley Road as thunderstorms dumped heavy rain. Storms had produced 1 to 2 inches of rain, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch possible in the warned area.
– The threat included life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Locations at risk included Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, New River, Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Deer Valley Airport, Scottsdale Airport, Anthem, Vistancia and Lake Pleasant.
9:22 p.m. update from the weather service
– A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Maricopa County was in effect until 10:15 p.m. MST. The storm was located over Pipeline Canyon Trailhead, about 12 miles north of Peoria, and was moving north at 5 mph with 60 mph wind gusts. Impacts were expected to include roofs, siding and trees, with affected highways including I-17 (mile markers 220-232), US-60 (mile markers 133-137) and SR 74 (mile markers 8-30).
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
– A severe thunderstorm warning means a storm is producing or is likely to produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher or hail at least one inch in diameter.
Safety tips for thunderstorms
– Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
– Stay clear of electrical equipment and plumbing; avoid using corded phones.
– Keep a battery-powered weather radio or a charged device for updates.
– Bring pets indoors and secure loose outdoor items that could become projectiles.
– If outdoors, avoid flood-prone areas and do not attempt to drive through flooded streets or underpasses.
– Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Practical guidance for readers
– If you are traveling, check road conditions and closures before heading out, especially along I-17, Loop 101 and SR 74.
– Monitor local alerts for updates on flood risk and any changes to storm timing.
– Have a plan to move to higher ground if water begins to accumulate on roads or in underpasses.
Summary
Strong, slow-moving storms brought damaging winds and heavy rainfall across the Phoenix area, triggering multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and a county-wide flash flood advisory. The situation remains fluid, with continued risk of rapid flooding in low-lying and urban areas. Residents should heed warnings, stay indoors if possible and be prepared for changing conditions as the storms move through.
Additional notes for editors
– Consider adding a map showing the impacted corridors (I-17, Loop 101, SR 74) and flood-prone zones.
– Include ongoing updates and a link to the latest alerts from the local weather authority.
– Add a short, SEO-friendly summary paragraph for social media with practical safety tips.