Monsoon storms move through the Valley for the 2nd night
PHOENIX - For the second night, a monsoon storm is making its way over the Valley Saturday.
The storm comes after Friday night's rainfall that caused a ground stop at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport for an hour as flooding, lightning and high winds impacted thousands.
A state of emergency has been declared in the town of Gila Bend due to widespread, severe flooding in the area and at least two deaths.
Officials with the National Weather Service said the storms can quickly intensify, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain possible.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Flood Advisories were issued for several areas in Maricopa County and across the state.
Weather alerts can be found here.
Streets in Glendale were flooded due to heavy monsoon rain overnight. (Photo: Jennifer Atudoroae Dubiel)
Residents saw vivid lightning storms, high winds and rain, and some homes saw downed trees as a result of the storm.
Officials say that between 7 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, there were 60,000 recorded lightning flashes in central Arizona.
Latest Weather Conditions
Road Conditions
- Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
- az511.com
Rain/flood safety tips
The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:
- Turnaround don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
- Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
- If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
- Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
- If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
- If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.
Preparing for a severe thunderstorm
The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:
- Put together an emergency kit.
- Know your community’s evacuation plan.
- Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
- Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
- Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
Be prepared and stay safe during the monsoon
"Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas," stated Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department.
GFD reminds residents of ways they can be prepared and stay safe:
- Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
- Have food that can be prepared without the need for cooking or refrigeration.
- Have at least one gallon of clean water for each person in the household.
- Have backup power for anyone requiring power for a medical device.
- Have backup power for cell phones that do not require charging.
- Have a first aid kit ready and accessible.
- Never drive into areas with flowing water; it takes less than 10 inches to wash a car away.
- Avoid flooded areas, such as washes.
- If waters are rising, seek higher ground.
- Do not approach downed power lines, the ground can be energized for up to 200 feet.
- Keep pets indoors during storms.