PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Authorities are keeping the Phoenix area under a flood warning after monsoon thunderstorms swamped low-lying streets, knocked out power to thousands of customers and delayed airline flights.
Flood watches and warnings that include the metro area had been set to expire late Friday morning as rain slackened, but the National Weather Service at midday issued a warning through mid-afternoon.
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Nearly 18,000 customers of Arizona Public Service were without power at one point during the morning. That number dropped to 13,000 by midday as crews worked to restore service.
Rain slowed traffic during the morning commute's tail end, and firefighters rescued motorists from several vehicles stalled in washes or other areas with standing or flowing water.
Flights departing and arriving at Sky Harbor International Airport were delayed, and airport spokeswoman Heather Lissner said three flights were diverted to other airports during the peak of the morning's storm activity.
Multiple power outages were reported in these areas:
Online: APS.com/outages