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Weather recap: Flooding forces Sedona evacuations as late-night rain hits the Valley

An atmospheric river brought precipitation to the state Wednesday.
Credit: Kohinoor Kar

PHOENIX — Rain was the name of the game across the Grand Canyon State Wednesday.

A Flood Watch continues for much of the high country until Thursday afternoon. Normally dry creeks, washes, and low-lying areas will be susceptible to flash flooding. 

Strong storms continue to push east across Arizona on Wednesday evening. Severe storms earlier in Mohave County produced 60 mph winds, quarter-size hail, and flash flooding. Strong winds, hail, and heavy downpours moved through the Valley between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

RAINFALL TOTALS: How much rain your neighborhood saw today

Live updates

10:15 p.m. The main area of heaviest rainfall has moved out of Phoenix. There are some residual showers and storms that will linger around for the next couple of hours, but expect much drier conditions during the overnight hours 

10:00 p.m. A special weather statement has been issued for Anthem AZ, New River AZ and Cave Creek AZ until 10:45 p.m.

9:05 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Casa Grande, Arizona City, and Stanfield, with the possibility of a tornado. If you are in the path of this storm, seek shelter in a sturdy structure immediately.

 9 p.m. Rain is beginning to diminish in the West Valley and the rest of the metro area will start to see the rain end from west to east.

8:40 p.m.  SR 89A is closed in both directions between Sedona and I-17 near Flagstaff. The closure is due to to rocks on the roadway.

8:30 p.m. **UPDATED SHELTER INFORMATION for Sedona Evacuations:
Camp Verde Middle School Gym is the official shelter for this area. Address: 280 Camp Lincoln Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322. Sheltering for small animals and pets is at the Community Center at 395 S. Main St., Camp Verde, AZ 86322. 

7:40 p.m.  Tracking rain and thunder increasing around Metro Phoenix. Some of the rain will be heavy at times. 

7:25 p.m. Rain and embedded thunderstorms are approaching the Phoenix Metro. Watch out for strong winds and heavy downpours. 

7 p.m. Areas of Sedona are being evacuated due to flooding. With snowmelt at higher elevations, and now rain, expect higher than normal flow in Oak Creek.

7 p.m. Storms are approaching the metro area.

5:30 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for La Paz County.

4:45 p.m.: Strong winds and hail is hitting areas north of Yuma.

4 p.m.: Showers from the west are moving toward the Valley 

1:30 p.m.: Forecasters expect a short lull in the showers in the Valley this afternoon before ramping back up later this evening.

Noon: Storms continue to move across the Valley, blanketing most of the area in storm clouds. NWS said stronger storms are possible this afternoon across central Arizona.

Snow is also beginning to fall in areas above 8,500 feet in northern Arizona.

>> Interactive radar

Previous coverage

For the Valley, rain arrived mid morning and should continue to build throughout the day. The heavier rainfall amounts are forecasted to be later Wednesday afternoon, so keep your umbrellas handy.

The NWS is also expecting several creeks and rivers south of the Rim to rise with the rain and melting snow ahead in the High Country.

>> VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Otra ronda de lluvia, nieve llega a Arizona el miércoles

As the storm makes its way through Arizona, we will continue to track the current weather conditions. Stay tuned to 12News for updates.

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