Local
Phoenix faces two days of storm and commute disruptions as flood watch takes effect
A flood watch covering metro Phoenix and much of Arizona is in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, with flash flooding and damaging microbursts among the main concerns. Valley rainfall could reach an inch in some places, while storms may disrupt travel across two commute periods.
A flood watch is in effect for metro Phoenix and much of Arizona from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon as a Pacific storm system brings showers and thunderstorms to the region.
Flash flooding is a major concern, and storms could affect travel during both Wednesday and Thursday commutes. Forecasters expect up to an inch of rain in parts of the Valley, though most locations are likely to receive less. Higher totals are possible in mountains north and east of the Valley.
The system is expected to draw moisture into Arizona from a low-pressure area off California while making the atmosphere more favorable for thunderstorms. Most of the state has a chance of storms Wednesday, with eastern Arizona facing a 15% chance of severe weather, according to the latest Storm Prediction Center maps. That risk reaches into the far East Valley, though storm timing remains uncertain.
Forecasters said flash flooding and microbursts are greater concerns than tornadoes, although a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. A similar weather setup last October produced a major microburst in Tempe.
The forecast marks a sharp change from Tuesday’s Valley high temperatures in the low 90s. Highs are expected to fall into the 70s by the end of the week.