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Showers and thunderstorms have intermittently occurred throughout the Valley, according to the National Weather Service. A dust advisory has been issued on Monday evening for areas like Maricopa and Pinal counties with a flash flood warning in effect for Maricopa County until 9:15 p.m. About 1,500 SRP customers near the border of Mesa and Apache Junction and 1,100 APS customers in Tempe were reported to be without power as of 8:30 p.m.
Arizona Monsoon Storms Raise Flooding Concerns and Prompt Safety Reminders
Isolated showers and thunderstorms were predicted to intermittently occur in the Valley until Monday evening, as per the National Weather Service. Higher terrain east of Phoenix metro was expected to experience the majority of rain on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service issued a dust advisory on Monday for areas like Maricopa and Pinal counties, with a dust wall moving west at 30 mph, set to expire at 7:45 p.m. Sky Harbor airport reported an average delay of 15 minutes in departures by 7:30 p.m., with the delay time expected to increase.
Power outages were reported in areas near the Mesa and Apache Junction border and in Tempe, affecting about 1,500 SRP customers and 1,100 APS customers respectively by 8:30 p.m. A flash flood warning was put in effect for Maricopa County until 9:15 p.m. Users can check the weather alert page for latest warnings and updates.
Safety Tips for Driving in Rain
The Arizona Department of Transportation provides safety tips for driving in the rain, which include inspecting windshield wipers, turning on the headlights, reducing speeds, avoiding sudden braking on wet pavement, keeping a safe distance between vehicles, and avoiding areas where water has pooled.
Protecting Yourself from Lightning Strikes
The National Weather Service offers lightning safety tips. It recommends paying attention to weather, seeking shelter in buildings with plumbing and wiring, staying in vehicles, avoiding open water, and avoiding bathing or showers during a thunderstorm. The tips also include avoiding the use of electric appliances with plugs or cords, following the 30-30 rule (if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning bolt, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside), not taking shelter under trees, and avoiding huddling in a group outdoors during a thunderstorm.
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