Sunday, October 11, 2026·Focal News

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Phoenix-area wind advisory runs through Sunday as storms and flight delays continue

Gusty winds prompted an FAA ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor, where 191 flights were delayed by 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Showers were expected to taper later in the day, with additional chances of rain Monday and Tuesday.

Phoenix-area wind advisory runs through Sunday as storms and flight delays continue
A wind advisory remained in effect across metro Phoenix until 5 p.m. Sunday as gusty conditions and scattered storms followed the overnight passage of Tropical Cyclone Rachel’s remnants. The National Weather Service said rain bands would continue moving through the Valley Sunday morning, becoming more isolated in the afternoon and evening. Winds were expected to ease after sunset. A forecast issued Saturday called for peak winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts reaching 45 mph in the early afternoon, along with possible blowing dust and difficult driving conditions. The wind disrupted air travel at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop through 9:45 a.m. and reported a ground delay averaging 39 minutes. At 9:30 a.m., the airport’s flight-status page listed 191 delayed flights, 15 cancellations and one diversion. Rainfall totals varied across the Valley. By 9:30 a.m., Sky Harbor had recorded 0.26 inches, the official Phoenix measurement site used by the weather service. Over the preceding 24 hours, reported totals ranged from 0.04 to 0.31 inches in the West Valley and 0.12 to 1.22 inches in the East Valley. Central and northern Phoenix received 0.28 to 0.43 inches. Forecasters also expected chances of showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday as a low-pressure system moved inland from the West Coast. The weather service said the rain would likely be intermittent, with metro Phoenix expected to receive no more than a quarter inch. Temperatures were forecast to remain well below seasonal norms.

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