Severe Thunderstorms Hit Phoenix Area, Cause Flight Delays and Flooding

PHOENIX, Arizona — Severe thunderstorms are rolling through the Phoenix area, bringing heavy rain, hail, and flight delays. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that these storms could continue until early evening, impacting residents and travelers alike.

The storms developed early Thursday morning in northeast Maricopa County and Gila County. By 10 a.m., they intensified across the west side, prompting the NWS to issue several severe thunderstorm warnings along with flash flood warnings.

Tom Frieders, a meteorologist with the NWS in Phoenix, noted, “Throughout the morning, we’ve seen quite a bit of thunderstorm activity, mainly across the North and West Valley, with severe thunderstorms and some flooding.”

Large hail, measuring between 1.00 and 1.50 inches, has been reported from the storms. The FAA grounded flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport several times today due to the severe weather, resulting in an average delay of 75 minutes for arrivals and up to 45 minutes for departures.

Frieders emphasized that the strongest thunderstorms might continue until at least 8 p.m., although some showers could linger into the night. By midday, many areas, including central and south Phoenix, received more than one inch of rain, with some locations forecasting over three inches by end of day.

“Flash flooding can evolve quickly with these storms,” Frieders said. “So, I want to stress turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through flooded roadways.”

In anticipation of the storm activity, the NWS issued a flood watch effective from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. While this flood watch only covers today, rain is expected throughout the weekend.

“Chances really drop off by Sunday evening, and then it’s zero chances next week,” said Ted Whittock, another NWS meteorologist. He also noted that temperatures over the weekend will remain lower than usual, with highs in the low 90s.

As of Friday morning, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded a seasonal rainfall total of 0.91 inches. The city typically receives about 2.4 inches during the monsoon season, which ends on September 30.