Falcon Field Severe Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
Select the Advisory Below for Details
Begins: 12:38 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 12:23 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 4:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 11:57 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 3:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 11:25 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 2:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 10:22 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 12:31 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 12:08 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 7:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 11:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Begins: 10:19 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025Expires: 2:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Begins: 12:38 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
SVRPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Gila County in east central Arizona...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 130 PM MST.
* At 1238 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Kings Ranch,
or near Gold Canyon, moving north at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Canyon Lake, Superstition Mountains,
Gold Camp, Four Peaks, Kings Ranch, Lost Dutchman State Park,
Goldfield, Apache Lake, Queen Valley, and Tortilla Flat.
This includes US Highway 60 between mile markers 196 and 205.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Begins: 12:23 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
SVRPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
* Until 115 PM MST.
* At 1223 PM MST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Camelback Mountain to near Downtown Mesa, moving
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Paradise
Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain, East Mesa, Cave Creek, Carefree, Tempe
Marketplace, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak Park, and Granite Reef Dam.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 15.
US Highway 60 between mile markers 177 and 189.
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 171 and 205.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 4:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 400 PM MST.
* At 1253 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing
or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Avondale,
Goodyear, Buckeye, Apache Junction, Tolleson, Sun Lakes, Laveen,
East Mesa, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, Chandler Fashion Center Mall,
Arizona Mills Mall, Arizona State University and South Mountain
Park.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 156 and 165.
AZ Route 202 near mile marker 1...and
between mile markers 10 and 18.
AZ Route 101 between mile markers 48 and 57.
US Highway 60 between mile markers 173 and 182.
AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 200.
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 145 and 148...and
between mile markers 149 and 153.
AZ Route 347 between mile markers 180 and 189.
This includes the following streams and drainages...
Indian Bend Wash, Salt River, Tortilla Creek, Barranca Creek,
Waterman Wash, West Prong Waterman Wash, Queen Creek, Lum Wash,
Agua Fria River, Enterprise Canal, First Water Creek, Barge Creek,
La, Gila River, Rainbow Wash, Corgett Wash, Bulldog Wash and Lewis
and Pranty Creek.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 11:57 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 3:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
* Until 300 PM MST.
* At 1157 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1 inch of rain has
fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Mesa, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ballantine
Trailhead, Round Valley, Sunflower, Sycamore Creek, Rio Verde,
McDowell Mountain Park, Goldfield Ranch, Saguaro Lake, Salt River
Tubing Recreation Area, Granite Reef Dam and Fort McDowell.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 11:25 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 2:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
* Until 230 PM MST.
* At 1125 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have
fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible
in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, New River,
Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Scottsdale
Airport, Deer Valley Airport, North Mountain Park, Desert
Mountain, Piestewa Peak Park, Camelback Mountain, Metro Center,
Downtown Scottsdale, Camp Creek, Salt River Indian Community,
Arizona State Fairgrounds and Anthem.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 10:22 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
* Until 130 PM MST.
* At 1022 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have
fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye,
El Mirage, Tolleson, Youngtown, Sun City West, Waddell, Sun City,
Cashion, Wittmann, Circle City, New River, Litchfield Park,
Surprise Stadium and Beardsley.
DUST STORM WARNING
Begins: 12:31 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a
* Dust Storm Warning for...
Maricopa County in south central Arizona...
Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 115 PM MST.
* At 1231 PM MST, a wall of dust was along a line extending from near
Seville to near Olberg to near Casa Grande, moving west at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Less than a quarter mile visibility with strong wind in
excess of 50 mph.
SOURCE...Public.
IMPACT...Dangerous life-threatening travel.
* This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 158 and 197.
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 144 and 169.
AZ Route 202 between mile markers 35 and 55.
Locations impacted include...
Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Casa Grande, Sun Lakes, Maricopa,
Queen Creek, San Tan Village Mall, Seville, Bapchule, Estrella
Sailport, Olberg, Arizola, and Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
Begins: 12:08 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 7:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
621 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN ARIZONA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES
IN EAST CENTRAL ARIZONA
GILA
IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARIZONA
MARICOPA
IN SOUTHEAST ARIZONA
PINAL
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF APACHE JUNCTION, CACTUS FOREST,
CASA GRANDE, ELOY, FLORENCE, JAKES CORNER, KOHLS RANCH, MESA,
PAYSON, PHOENIX, PUNKIN CENTER, RYE, STAR VALLEY,
AND TONTO VILLAGE.
FLOOD WATCH
Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 11:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona, including the
following areas, Buckeye/Avondale, Cave Creek/New River, Central
Phoenix, Deer Valley, East Valley, North Phoenix/Glendale,
Northwest Valley, Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, South
Mountain/Ahwatukee and Southeast Valley/Queen Creek.
* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Low-water crossings may be flooded.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Increasing moisture ahead of an area of low pressure will
promote scattered thunderstorm activity capable of producing
heavy rainfall through this evening. Localized rainfall
amounts of 1-2 inches are expected to occur, with potentially
higher amount possible.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Begins: 10:19 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 2:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
At 1016 AM MST, radar indicated several strong to severe
thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Pipeline
Canyon Trailhead to Sky Harbor Airport to Blackwater. Additional
strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout
the rest of the morning and afternoon. Movement was northeast at 25
mph.
Locations impacted include...
Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe,
Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Apache
Junction, El Mirage, Florence, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley,
Coolidge, and Globe.
This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 94 and 204.
AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 241.
AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 122 and 178.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Begins: 12:38 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
SVRPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Gila County in east central Arizona... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... Pinal County in southeastern Arizona... * Until 130 PM MST. * At 1238 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Kings Ranch, or near Gold Canyon, moving north at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Canyon Lake, Superstition Mountains, Gold Camp, Four Peaks, Kings Ranch, Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield, Apache Lake, Queen Valley, and Tortilla Flat. This includes US Highway 60 between mile markers 196 and 205.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Begins: 12:23 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
SVRPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... * Until 115 PM MST. * At 1223 PM MST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Camelback Mountain to near Downtown Mesa, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain, East Mesa, Cave Creek, Carefree, Tempe Marketplace, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak Park, and Granite Reef Dam. This includes the following highways... AZ Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 15. US Highway 60 between mile markers 177 and 189. AZ Route 87 between mile markers 171 and 205.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 4:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... Pinal County in southeastern Arizona... * Until 400 PM MST. * At 1253 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Apache Junction, Tolleson, Sun Lakes, Laveen, East Mesa, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, Chandler Fashion Center Mall, Arizona Mills Mall, Arizona State University and South Mountain Park. This includes the following highways... AZ Route 87 between mile markers 156 and 165. AZ Route 202 near mile marker 1...and between mile markers 10 and 18. AZ Route 101 between mile markers 48 and 57. US Highway 60 between mile markers 173 and 182. AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 200. AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 145 and 148...and between mile markers 149 and 153. AZ Route 347 between mile markers 180 and 189. This includes the following streams and drainages... Indian Bend Wash, Salt River, Tortilla Creek, Barranca Creek, Waterman Wash, West Prong Waterman Wash, Queen Creek, Lum Wash, Agua Fria River, Enterprise Canal, First Water Creek, Barge Creek, La, Gila River, Rainbow Wash, Corgett Wash, Bulldog Wash and Lewis and Pranty Creek.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 11:57 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 3:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... * Until 300 PM MST. * At 1157 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mesa, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ballantine Trailhead, Round Valley, Sunflower, Sycamore Creek, Rio Verde, McDowell Mountain Park, Goldfield Ranch, Saguaro Lake, Salt River Tubing Recreation Area, Granite Reef Dam and Fort McDowell.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 11:25 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 2:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... * Until 230 PM MST. * At 1125 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, New River, Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Scottsdale Airport, Deer Valley Airport, North Mountain Park, Desert Mountain, Piestewa Peak Park, Camelback Mountain, Metro Center, Downtown Scottsdale, Camp Creek, Salt River Indian Community, Arizona State Fairgrounds and Anthem.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 10:22 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:30 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
FFWPSR The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... * Until 130 PM MST. * At 1022 AM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, El Mirage, Tolleson, Youngtown, Sun City West, Waddell, Sun City, Cashion, Wittmann, Circle City, New River, Litchfield Park, Surprise Stadium and Beardsley.
DUST STORM WARNING
Begins: 12:31 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 1:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a * Dust Storm Warning for... Maricopa County in south central Arizona... Pinal County in southeastern Arizona... * Until 115 PM MST. * At 1231 PM MST, a wall of dust was along a line extending from near Seville to near Olberg to near Casa Grande, moving west at 20 mph. HAZARD...Less than a quarter mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 50 mph. SOURCE...Public. IMPACT...Dangerous life-threatening travel. * This includes the following highways... AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 158 and 197. AZ Route 87 between mile markers 144 and 169. AZ Route 202 between mile markers 35 and 55. Locations impacted include... Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Casa Grande, Sun Lakes, Maricopa, Queen Creek, San Tan Village Mall, Seville, Bapchule, Estrella Sailport, Olberg, Arizola, and Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
Begins: 12:08 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 7:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 621 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ARIZONA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL ARIZONA GILA IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARIZONA MARICOPA IN SOUTHEAST ARIZONA PINAL THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF APACHE JUNCTION, CACTUS FOREST, CASA GRANDE, ELOY, FLORENCE, JAKES CORNER, KOHLS RANCH, MESA, PAYSON, PHOENIX, PUNKIN CENTER, RYE, STAR VALLEY, AND TONTO VILLAGE.
FLOOD WATCH
Begins: 12:53 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 11:00 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona, including the following areas, Buckeye/Avondale, Cave Creek/New River, Central Phoenix, Deer Valley, East Valley, North Phoenix/Glendale, Northwest Valley, Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, South Mountain/Ahwatukee and Southeast Valley/Queen Creek. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Increasing moisture ahead of an area of low pressure will promote scattered thunderstorm activity capable of producing heavy rainfall through this evening. Localized rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are expected to occur, with potentially higher amount possible. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Begins: 10:19 AM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
Expires: 2:15 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2025
At 1016 AM MST, radar indicated several strong to severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Pipeline Canyon Trailhead to Sky Harbor Airport to Blackwater. Additional strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout the rest of the morning and afternoon. Movement was northeast at 25 mph. Locations impacted include... Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, El Mirage, Florence, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Coolidge, and Globe. This includes the following highways... AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 94 and 204. AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 241. AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 122 and 178. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.