Following Sunday afternoon’s thunderstorms, the National Weather Service issued a statewide flash flood warning in effect through Sunday evening.
Flash flood warnings have been issued for Maricopa, Mojave, Gila, Apache, Navajo, Yavapai, and Coconino counties.
“Very slow” storm movement, high humidity levels, and scattered weather activity were expected to bring more downpours to the state, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Residents across Arizona could experience a life-threatening flash flood Sunday night, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Thunderstorm conditions were also expected to increase into the late afternoon, mainly in the north of the state.
Flash flood warnings expire at 6:30 p.m. for Mojave County, 7:00 p.m. for Maricopa County, 5:45 p.m. for Coconino County, 6:00 p.m. for Yavapai County, and 6:15 p.m. for Apache and Navajo Counties was expected to be
Residents of Apache and Navajo counties were advised to stay away from low-water intersections common in mountainous areas, as they can be very dangerous when flooding occurs.
Areas where rainfall is particularly dangerous include Cave Creek Basin just north of Highway 264, Lake Pleasant, and Chinle, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau of Meteorology advised people to stay away from all streams, washrooms and rivers and seek alternative routes if they encounter flooded roads.
“When you come across flooded roads, don’t drown. Most flood deaths occur in cars,” the agency said.
The westbound lane of State Route 238 was closed due to flooding at Milepost 38 near Rio Bravo Road, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
There was no estimated time to reopen the highway and ADOT advised drivers to expect delays.
Other locations where flash floods are expected include:
- US 160 between mileposts 360 and 370.
- State Route 264 between mileposts 393 and 425.
- US 191 between mileposts 430 and 452.
- US 93 between mileposts 189 and 196.
- Interstate 17 between mile markers 242 and 243.
- State Route 89 between mile markers 258 and 261.
Humidity and storm activity are likely to moderate until midweek, but are expected to pick up again by next weekend, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Arizona storm causes blackout
Storm activity also caused several power outages on Sunday afternoon.
In the Phoenix area, approximately 2,300 Salt River Project customers have experienced weather-related outages since around 4:30 p.m., said SRP spokesperson Kathleen Mascarenhas.
According to Mascareñas, more than half of these customers were located between 15th and 12th Avenues in Phoenix and between Roeser Road and South Mountain Avenue.
More severe power outages occurred in Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, and Torreson.All services were expected to be restored by 9:45pm
Mascarenhas advised people to stay informed about power outages and to keep storm safety kits at home.
“I highly recommend that customers have a safety kit to keep first aid supplies, medicine, flashlights and water,” she said. “In monsoon weather, preparation is key.”
Approximately 500 customers of Arizona Public Service near Prescott and Kirkland were also affected by the power outage due to storm-related conditions around 4:30 p.m. APS Outage Viewer.
Service was expected to be restored by 10:40 p.m., according to APS.
About 70 more power outages were reported in Salome around 5:30 pm.
“Once the storm has passed and it is safe to do so, field personnel will be dispatched to assess the extent of the damage and restore power,” APS said.
Salome power was expected to be restored by 8:10 p.m.
Contact breaking news reporter Laura Daniela Sepulveda. lsepulveda@lavozarizona.com or on twitter @lauradNews.
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