Severe Storms Disrupt Events in Phoenix Area This Weekend

PHOENIX, Arizona — Severe monsoon thunderstorms sweeping through the Phoenix area are causing significant disruptions to scheduled events on Friday.

The Arizona State Fair announced it will close on Friday due to heavy rainfall. However, they are offering free admission tickets for any day through October 26 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

In sports, the high school football game between ALA West Foothills and Arcadia High School was called off around 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, numerous other high school football games are still set to begin at 7 p.m.

Arizona State University‘s football team is scheduled to take on TCU on national television at 6 p.m. Even though Sparky’s Tailgate, hosted by ASU alumni, was canceled, officials are still moving forward with the kickoff.

Heavy rain, hail, and lightning have been reported across the Valley since Friday morning. As of now, no major damage has been reported, though safety remains a top priority for those planning to be outside.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association stated that if lightning is detected, games will be halted for 30 minutes, and everyone must take cover away from metal bleachers and gates. Players from Centennial High School expressed their concerns over weather issues impacting the game.

“When playing in the rain, it’s harder to pass the ball,” said Karmello Calloway, a varsity guard. “If you’re having a good drive, you get tight and muscles start to cramp.”

The weather event has raised concerns about potentially strong storms impacting both high school and college football games.

Forecasts indicate that rain chances will persist, leading to flash flooding in some areas. By Friday, viewers in the Valley can expect heavy rain, strong winds, and continued storms lingering into Saturday.