Severe Storms Bring Hail and Flooding to Phoenix Area

PHOENIX, Arizona — A powerful thunderstorm swept through the Valley on Wednesday evening, bringing severe hail and heavy rain that caused flooding in several areas during rush hour.

As of Thursday morning, 38 flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were delayed due to the severe weather conditions. The rain continued to fall throughout the morning, raising concerns about road safety.

Maricopa County traffic officials announced multiple road closures due to flooding, including sections of 19th Avenue, Desert Hills Drive, and Lower Buckeye Road. Residents were advised to drive with extra caution.

At Desert Sky Mall, hail remnants were visible on Thursday morning, with large piles remaining in the parking lot. Witnesses described the storm’s impact, with reports of a partial roof collapse at the mall. It is currently unclear whether there were any injuries.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flash flood warnings were issued for Glendale, Peoria, and Avondale, set to expire later that evening. The NWS advised locals to seek shelter and avoid driving into flooded areas.

As of 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, more than 1,200 customers lost power, with utility companies working to restore electricity promptly. The storm produced small hail and frequent lightning, prompting warnings across the region.

Despite the challenges, forecasts predict a warm-up for the Valley next week, with temperatures expected to rise into the 70s.