Monsoon: Tuesday night storm left trail of destruction in the Phoenix area
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The monsoon storm that moved through the Phoenix area Tuesday night has left some destruction in its wake, and the damages caused became clear on Wednesday morning.
In the area of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, trees were uprooted, and some of the fallen trees even managed to hit apartment buildings. Fallen trees can also be seen in the Comanche Park area.
Storm damage can also be seen at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, where officials say about 30 trees fell. They say at least another 30 threes may have to be cut down due to damages.
"A bit of a surprise, when I got out here and saw what actually happened," said an official with the golf club. "We have a couple of irrigation lines broken by the trees uprooting. There's water running."
Officials say the nine-hole field will probably be closed for a couple of days, but they also say cleanup efforts should be easy.
"It shouldn't take too long to clean it up. We've had a lot of practice with the storm. Big storms seem to live this area," the official said.
Fire burns palm tree nursery in Laveen
Officials are still investigating a fire that devastated a palm tree nursery in the Laveen area Tuesday night. The fire burned as a monsoon storm was moving through the Valley, but it is currently unknown as to whether last night's storm played a role in the fire. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports.
Elsewhere in the Phoenix area, a palm tree nursery in the area of 83rd Avenue and Broadway in Laveen caught fire during the monsoon storm. While it is not clear if the fire is weather-related, there was a bit of lightning in the area at the time.
A look at today's weather forecast
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Arizona Weather Forecast: More storms expected in Arizona today
More storms are expected to develop in Arizona today, according to the National Weather Service.
You can check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.
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:
- Turn around 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.
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.