Monsoon 2016: Widespread flooding in the north valley

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The Phoenix Fire Department made a number of water rescues as parts of the valley saw heavy rains that sparked flooding and snarled traffic.

Officials said on Tuesday, firefighters rescued a man sitting on top of his vehicle along Interstate 17 and helped another man out of his car at another location.

Flooding closed Interstate 17 in both directions at Indian School Road in Phoenix and traffic throughout Arizona's largest city slowed to a trickle as some roadways became streams.

The National Weather Service says storms would into the East Valley and warned driver to stay off roads.

The heavy rain caused washes to fill up fast, including the Willow Springs Wash, just north of Rancho Manana Golf club near Old Stage Road and Desert Hills Drive.

The fast moving water was seen flowing over into some streets.

A reminder: turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

By 10:30 p.m., Interstate 17 had reopened in both directions at Indian School Road.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.