CHANDLER, Ariz. — Storms are rolling into the Valley on Saturday evening, bringing the possibility of wind gusts at high as 60 miles per hour and pea-sized hail.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix said scattered storms were expected to develop in southern and western Arizona on Saturday.
Updates
6:28 p.m.
The severe thunderstorm warning over Sunflower has been extended until 7 p.m.
The storm was seen on radar near Sycamore Creek and is moving northwest at 15 miles per hour.
The storm will have winds of up to 60 miles per hour and could damage roofs, siding and trees.
The areas affected include Sunflower, Sycamore Creek and Horseshoe Reservoir and State Route 87 between mileposts 214 and 226.
5:38 p.m.
The NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for areas including Sunflower until 6:15 p.m.
The storm could bring downpours, winds as high as 60 miles per hour, cloud-to-ground lightning and pea-sized hail to areas including Round Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain, Sycamore Creek, Sunflower and Ballantine trailhead. The warning also affects State Route 87 (aka the Beeline Highway) between mileposts 203 and 226.
The storm was found by radar over Round Valley and is moving northwest at 15 mph.
5:15 p.m.
Strong thunderstorms are dropping rain in La Paz County and are causing blowing dust, gusty winds and lightning, as well. A flash flood warning is in effect for Salome and part of U.S. 60.
5:08 p.m.
The NWS said there is a special weather statement for Chandler, Sun Lakes and Casa Blanca due to storms that could bring rain and winds as high as 40 miles per hour. The statement will be in effect until 5:30 p.m.
The storm was seen by Doppler radar over Chandler City Hall and was moving north at 10 miles per hour.
The NWS said the winds could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects around.
The specific areas affected include Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights, Tumbleweed Park, Chandler City Hall, San Tan Village Mall, Seville, Bapchule, Chandler Fashion Center Mall, Firebird Lake, Santan, and Higley.
Highways affected include Interstate 10 between mileposts 162 and 176, State Route 87 between mileposts 153 and 166 and Loop 202 between mileposts 37 and 54.
4:33 p.m.
The NWS said the severe thunderstorm warning will continue for Chandler, Sun Lakes and Casa Blanca until 5 p.m.
4:13 p.m.
NWS issues severe thunderstorm warning for Chandler, Sun Lakes and Sacaton until 5 p.m.
2:56 p.m.
The storm moved north, causing the NWS to issue a severe thunderstorm warning for Florence, Magma and Florence Junction until 3:30 p.m.
1:32 p.m.
Strong storms popped up near Gila Bend, Theba and Bosque causing the NWS to issue a severe thunderstorm warning for the area until 2:15 p.m.
Flooding Safety
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has provided the following tips on what hazards to watch out for during and after a flood, including fire, electrical and chemical safety:
Generators and alternative heating devices can create fire hazards during flooding if they aren’t used correctly or maintained properly. Pools of water and appliances can become electrically charged and can cause electrical fires.
On electricity, residents in flooded areas should turn off the power to their homes if they can reach the main breaker or fuse box. All wiring in the house may be electrically charged and hazardous. Residents should have a professional technician check their home for damages before turning on the power.
Make sure potentially combustible liquids like paint thinner, lighter fluid or gasoline haven’t spilled within or near your home. Keep combustible liquids away from electrical or alternative heat sources as to not start a fire.
All smoke alarms in the home should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly. Some smoke alarms are dependent on your home’s electrical service and may go out when power is turned off.
Make sure the fire hydrant near your home is cleared of debris so the fire department can assess it easily in the event of a fire.
Arizona Weather
Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.
